Final answer:
The purpose of a precedent in a legal case is to provide a consistent ruling following the principle of stare decisis. Precedents ensure stability and equality in the justice system, but they do not directly determine guilt or innocence nor primarily aim to set new legal standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of a precedent in a legal case is primarily to provide a consistent ruling. This is rooted in the principle of stare decisis, which translates to "to stand on decisions" and ensures that courts follow previous rulings when examining new cases. Precedents help maintain stability and fairness in the legal system by ensuring that similar cases are treated in the same way. Moreover, they contribute to the predictability of legal outcomes, allowing individuals and entities to have faith in the even-handed administration of justice.
While precedents do set guidelines for future cases, it is not their purpose to establish guilt or innocence in a case; that is determined by the evidence and arguments presented during the trial. Also, while precedents can sometimes result in establishing new legal standards, this is typically a secondary effect rather than the main purpose. It's important to note that precedents can evolve over time, especially when societal values change or when previous rulings no longer align with current legal or ethical standards. The Supreme Court, for instance, has occasionally overturned precedent to correct violations of human rights or civil rights.