precedents

名词 precedent:

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

1. Institutions of government are established by law or precedent.
   行政制度是依据法律兴惯例制定的。
2. This intervention in another nation's affairs has set a precedent which we hope other countries will not follow.
   对别国事物的这种干涉开了一个先例，我们希望其他国家不要模仿。