How can a court set a precedent and why is it important?

Question

How can a court set a precedent and why is it important?

In: 1

Answer 1

Lawsuits and court cases are brought when there is a dispute about how to interpret the law. When a court rules formally on a case then it becomes something of a guidepost (especially if it was a high court) to similar cases in the future.

Basically, an attorney will submit to the judge/jury that “Judge/jury XYZ in jurisdiction ABC ruled in favor of the same argument that I’m making in case QRST, and so should you!”