precedenti

Precedenti is the Italian plural of precedente and the English-transliterated form of the concept precedent. It refers to prior decisions, actions, or events that influence or guide current judgments, policies, or behavior. Etymology: from Latin praecedens, “going before.”

In law, precedents are previous judicial decisions used to resolve new disputes. In common law systems, the doctrine of stare decisis requires courts to follow binding precedents to maintain consistency and predictability. Courts may distinguish a precedent, modify its application, or overturn it by higher authority or legislative change. In civil law jurisdictions, jurisprudence is generally not binding in the same way, but leading decisions may be cited as persuasive authority.

Beyond law, precedents shape governance, administration, and business practice by providing models for rules, procedures, or negotiations. Historical precedents can influence policy choices, while cultural or organizational precedents can set norms for etiquette and operation. In data and science, precedent can refer to established methods or benchmark results that guide experimentation. The concept also interacts with risk management; acknowledging precedents helps in forecasting outcomes based on prior experience.