The Doctrine of Judicial Precedent

This week’s topics

The Doctrine of Judicial Precedent

1. Hierarchy of UK courts
2. Ratio decidendi and obiter dicta
3. Binding versus persuasive precedent
4. Distinguishing and overruling cases
5. A-Level Law | Study Livestream | Judicial Precedent
6. Hierarchy of the courts, the doctrine of precedent, www.e-lawresources.co.uk
7. How are rights supported in civil cases?

What you will be able to do

• 1.3 Explain how case law precedent is followed by other courts.

Activity

Start with this week’s 3 videos, then: Seminar, guided reading and a short written task: explain how case law precedent is followed by other courts.

Study materials

Videos

• A-Level Law | Study Livestream | Judicial Precedent · YouTube · tutor2u · 42 min · for registered students
• Hierarchy of the courts, the doctrine of precedent, www.e-lawresources.co.uk · YouTube · e-lawresources · 8 min · for registered students
• How are rights supported in civil cases? · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students

Further resources

• Structure of the Courts & Tribunals system · Reading · Judiciary Uk, guidance · for registered students
• Constitutional Reform Act 2005 · Reading · legislation.gov.uk, legislation · for registered students
• Find Case Law: search tips (The National Archives) · Reading · Other, guidance · for registered students