What is the significance of 'precedent' in the legal section of the Civil Service Exam?

The significance of 'precedent' in the legal section of the Civil Service Exam is centered around its role in guiding judicial decision-making. Precedent refers to the principle that previous judicial decisions serve as standards or benchmarks for resolving similar cases in the future. This is foundational in common law systems, where the rulings made by higher courts are binding on lower courts when faced with analogous facts or legal issues. By relying on established precedents, courts promote consistency, stability, and predictability in the law, ensuring that similar cases yield similar outcomes. This principle helps maintain the rule of law and fosters public confidence in the legal system, as individuals and entities can rely on precedents to understand the likely outcomes of their legal matters.