To what extent are precedent are binding or not binding?

Provides certainty and consistency in the application of law. Judges have clear cases to follow. Lower courts follow higher courts. It also leads to an orderly development of the law. Only the Lords...

The doctrine of judicial precedent* refers to the process by which judges follow previously decided cases. Courts at the top of the hierarchy are of more significance so their decisions carry greater...

"Binding precedent" is a doctrine in the law that requires a lower court to apply the same law when presented with the same or substantially similar set of facts as in prior cases where that law was...

A binding precedent is precedent that a court MUST follow (it is law). All prior judicial decisions in a specific court's jurisdiction heard at that court's level or higher are considered to be...