1. Precedent
Key points

2. What is precedent? Any law made by judges contained in a case report
Judges must follow a set of rules when deciding how to make/ interpret the law in a case
The rules are called "the doctrine of judicial precedent"
The higher the court is in the appeal process the more important the precedent is known as "the hierarchy of courts"
The Supreme Court make the most important precedents as they only deal with cases of public importance
Each precedent is written down in a case report known as a "judgment"
What is the oldest precedent we have done so far?

3. Must knows on precedent
How the hierarchy of courts works
The 3 parts of a judgment
What binding and persuasive precedent are
The principle of judges sticking to earlier similar precedents - stare decisis
How the rules of precedent allow for flexibility in unique cases - distinguishing
How higher courts can alter a precedent in a case made by a lower court - reversing
How some courts can alter key precedents over time to reflect societies changing attitudes on issues - overruling
Special rules I. Precedent for the court of appeal
The supreme courts special rule - the practice statement
The advantages and disadvantages of the rules of precedent