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Prefatory vs Precedent - What's the difference?

prefatory | precedent | Related terms |

Prefatory is a related term of precedent.


As an adjective prefatory

is introductory, preliminary, serving as a prelude or preface.

As a verb precedent is

.

prefatory

English

Alternative forms

* (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • introductory, preliminary, serving as a prelude or preface.
  • Usage notes

    Rather formal and academic – preliminary is less formal, while introductory is less formal still. Casual alternative is to use some from of start, as in “To start…” or “Let me start by saying…”, as opposed to “By way of prefatory remarks…”.

    References

    precedent

    Alternative forms

    * (archaic)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • An act in the past which may be used as an example to help decide the outcome of similar instances in the future.
  • * Hooker
  • Examples for cases can but direct as precedents only.
  • (legal) A decided case which is cited or used as an example to justify a judgment in a subsequent case.
  • (obsolete, with definite article) The aforementioned (thing).
  • *, New York 2001, p.74:
  • A third argument may be derived from the precedent .
  • The previous version.
  • (obsolete) A rough draught of a writing which precedes a finished copy.
  • (Shakespeare)

    Derived terms

    * binding precedent * declaratory precedent * original precedent * persuasive precedent * precedented * precedential * precedent-setting * precedent sub silentio * unprecedented

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Happening or taking place earlier in time; previous or preceding.
  • *, III.2.1.i:
  • In the precedent section mention was made, amongst other pleasant objects, of this comeliness and beauty which proceeds from women […].

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (legal) To provide precedents for.
  • (legal) To be a precedent for.
  • See also

    * stare decisis ----