Precedent and precedent are similar in that they both refer to something that occurs before something else. The differences become apparent from the context in which each is used where the pronunciations and precise meanings both change.
“Condition Precedent” and “Legal Precedent” are defined and compared in the following graphic:
“Condition precedent” is commonly used in employment law to refer to the administrative remedies that must be pursued (a charge of discrimination must be filed with an appropriate agency, which is allowed time to conduct an investigation) before litigation can be initiated.
An example of a “legal precedent” is the U.S. Supreme Court opinion, Marbury vs. Madison, which added to the Court’s authority the power of judicial review.
For a more in-depth and in-context discussions of these two words and other legal concepts, join the Association for Pro Se Advancement.
Cheers!
Sherri