Precedence, at its core, is the principle of honoring what has come before. In the legal world, it is the cornerstone of common law – ensuring consistency, predictability, and fairness. In every society striving for justice and good governance, precedence plays an indispensable role. It is more than a legal doctrine; it is a guiding principle that transforms singular moments of right judgment into lasting change. Whether in courtrooms or office chambers, precedence affirms that one well-considered decision today can ripple outward, shaping better outcomes for years to come.
In legal systems, especially those rooted in common law traditions, precedence – or stare decisis – commands courts to follow earlier rulings when the same points of law arise again. This ensures stability. Citizens and institutions can rely on the law, confident that justice is not determined by whim but by reasoned judgment tested over time. Precedence provides the framework for consistency and fairness. When courts follow earlier rulings, they uphold the integrity of the justice system, ensuring that similar cases are treated alike.
But the true power of precedent lies not only in its ability to preserve what is fair, it lies in its capacity to inspire reform. One landmark ruling, grounded in truth and reason, can dismantle injustice and open doors for others to seek and find justice.
Beyond the law, precedence plays a vital role in governance, diplomacy, and even daily life. Institutions function smoothly because procedures and protocols are grounded in precedent. Families, too, pass down traditions that, though unwritten, provide a sense of identity and continuity. Similarly, in governance, one right policy decision can set a standard that future leaders are compelled to follow or build upon.
Good governance flourishes when decisions are not made in isolation but are informed by tested experience and grounded in the long-term good of the people. One courageous judgment, one forward-looking decision, can do more than resolve a present issue; it can become the seed of justice and good governance for generations to come. Precedence is the legacy of wisdom in action.
This brings us to one pressing question: can the ongoing agitation against backdoor government employment set the precedent to quash all other backdoor appointments? If it does, it will not only mark a victory for meritocracy but will also stand as a defining moment where one just decision ignited a future of fairness.