British Citizenship Test

In England, what is the concept of 'precedence' in common law?

1. Following statistical data

2. Following previous judicial decisions

3. Following government instructions

4. Following public consent

The correct answer is: Following previous judicial decisions

The concept of 'precedence' in common law refers to the principle that decisions made in higher courts set a standard that lower courts are required to follow in future cases. This ensures consistency and predictability in the law. When courts encounter a case that has been decided previously, they will look to that earlier ruling, which is known as a 'precedent,' to guide their decision-making process. This system allows for the development of law over time and helps to maintain stability in legal outcomes. In the context of the other options, statistical data, government instructions, and public consent do not serve as guiding principles in the same way that judicial decisions do. While they may influence law and policy, they do not establish the binding legal standards that precedents create within the common law system.