What does a legal precedent provide?

A legal precedent serves as a guiding principle or rule established by the outcome of previous court cases. When a court has made a decision on a particular legal issue, that decision can be cited and relied upon in future cases that involve similar facts or legal questions. This ensures consistency and predictability in the law, as courts are generally expected to adhere to the principles established in earlier rulings, particularly those from higher courts within the same jurisdiction.

The value of legal precedent lies in its ability to promote the rule of law by providing a framework that courts can follow, aiding in the fair application of justice. By referencing past decisions that share similar circumstances, judges can ensure that similar cases are treated in a parallel manner, leading to more uniformity in legal outcomes.

While the other options address aspects of legal proceedings, they do not accurately capture the core function of a legal precedent in the judicial system. Thus, the option highlighting authority for future case decisions aligns with the essential purpose of legal precedents in guiding judicial decision-making.