In common law systems, precedent plays a pivotal role in shaping legal decisions and establishing consistency in judicial rulings. Precedent refers to previous court decisions that serve as a guide for judges when adjudicating similar cases in the future. It forms the basis of stare decisis, the principle that decisions should be consistent with prior rulings. This ensures predictability and stability within the legal system, as well as promoting fairness and equality before the law. However, the application of precedent is not without challenges, as judges must carefully balance the need for consistency with the necessity of adapting to changing societal norms and values.
