What is the primary purpose of establishing a ‘precedent’ in law?

The primary purpose of establishing a precedent in law is to provide consistency and predictability in the application of the law. Precedent, or the doctrine of stare decisis, ensures that courts look to previous judicial decisions when resolving similar cases. This practice creates a stable legal framework, where individuals and entities can anticipate the outcomes of legal disputes based on established rulings. This consistency is fundamental to a fair legal system, as it helps ensure that similar cases are treated alike, thereby upholding the rule of law and fostering public trust in the justice system.

Judicial independence is important in the legal system but is not the main goal of establishing precedent. While judges have discretion to interpret the law, the purpose of precedent is to limit this discretion in order to maintain uniformity in rulings. So, rather than making legal outcomes less certain, the establishment of precedents aims to enhance predictability for all parties involved in the legal system.