名詞 precedent:

1. an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later time
   同義詞：precedent, case in point
2. (civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions
   同義詞：case law, precedent, common law
3. a system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws
   同義詞：common law, case law, precedent
4. a subject mentioned earlier (preceding in time)
   同義詞：precedent

1. Institutions of government are established by law or precedent.
   行政制度是依據法律興慣例制定的。
2. This intervention in another nation's affairs has set a precedent which we hope other countries will not follow.
   對別國事物的這種干涉開了一個先例，我們希望其他國家不要模仿。