> Precedent is when there's case law backing something.
No, you're thinking of a restricted version of the second definition from Merriam-Webster, while it was clearly the first definition that was meant.
precedent. noun
1. an earlier occurrence of something similar
2. a : something done or said that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous kind a verdict that had no precedent
b : the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice
No, you're thinking of a restricted version of the second definition from Merriam-Webster, while it was clearly the first definition that was meant.
precedent. noun
1. an earlier occurrence of something similar
2. a : something done or said that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous kind a verdict that had no precedent b : the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice