Question

Which scenario describes a federal court applying the principle of precedent? (APEX!!!)

A. A defendant convicted of a federal crime applying the principle of precedent?

B. A federal judge finds a criminal defendant not guilty because she believes his case should have been tried in a state court.

C. A court rules that a state is allowed to racially segregate restrooms because earlier courts ruled in favor of segregated buses.

D. A judge in a U.S. court of appeals overturns a defendant's conviction on the grounds that the law she violated is unconstitutional.

Answer 1

The answer is C. A court rules that a state is allowed to racially segregate restrooms because earlier courts ruled in favor of segregated buses.

Answer 2

Answer: C. A court rules that a state is allowed to racially segregate restrooms because earlier courts ruled in favor of segregated buses.

The principle of precedent is the idea that a previous legal case is either binding, or persuasive for a court when deciding subsequent cases with similar facts. The concept allows courts to yield predictable and consistent results. This is one of the most important values of common-law legal systems. In this case, the fact that earlier courts ruled in favor of segregated buses is very significant for the court's subsequent decision to allow segregated bathrooms.