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(A) Decisions that are made on an issue in cases that serve as a point of reference or authority for a judge in deciding the same or similar issues in later cases. Precedent creates expectations in society about how a matter should be resolved. Lower courts are usually compelled to follow precedent when a higher court has ruled on a similar legal issue. (B) the decision of … [Read more...] about PRECEDENT

To die before another person, e.g. in a will, My wife will own the red car if my wife predeceases me, otherwise to my daughter Jane. … [Read more...] about PREDECEASE

Such as must happen or be performed before an estate can vest or be enlarged. See CONDITION PRECEDENT. … [Read more...] about PRECEDENT CONDITION

In the law of wills, a spouse who dies before the will maker while still married to him or her. … [Read more...] about PREDECEASED SPOUSE

Silent uniform course of practice, uninterrupted though not supported by legal decisions. See Calton v. Bragg, 15 East 226; Thompson v. Musser, 1 Dall. 464, 1 L. Ed. 222. Precedents that pass sub silentio are of little or no authority. 16 Yin. Abr. 499. … [Read more...] about PRECEDENTS SUB SILENTIO