Legal Definitions - declaratory precedent

Definition: A declaratory precedent is a legal ruling that applies an already existing legal rule. It is not an original precedent that creates a new legal rule.

For example, if a court is presented with a case that involves a legal issue that has already been decided in a previous case, the court can use the previous ruling as a declaratory precedent to make its decision. The court is not creating a new legal rule, but rather applying an existing one.

Declaratory precedents are not binding on a court, but they can be persuasive. This means that a court can consider the previous ruling and use it as guidance, but it is not required to follow it.

Overall, declaratory precedents are important in the legal system because they help ensure consistency and predictability in legal decisions.