Which statement describes a precedent?

• A. A practice or act in the past which is used to justify a similar practice in the present
• B. A future plan
• C. A law with no prior history
• D. A philosophical theory

Answer: (A)

Precedent means a past action or decision that serves as a model or justification for similar actions in the future. This concept is about looking back at what was done before and using that experience to guide what happens next, especially to keep things consistent and predictable. The choice that captures this idea says a practice or act from the past is used to justify a similar practice in the present. That directly describes how precedent works, providing a basis for present or future decisions based on past experience. The other options describe a future plan, a law with no history, or a philosophical theory—none of which convey using past actions to guide current or future decisions.