what are precedents
... Precedents are prior cases in the jurisdiction that are close in fact or legal principles to the case in consideration. ... When the High Court does depart from long held precedent, it is merely setting down new precedents. This does not suggest a decline in the use of precedent but rather the foundations of new precedents where the court evolves with societal change. ... Hopefully the courts will set new doctrine precedents as times gradually start to change and also judges will need to look at the society we live in from time to time to make sure there decisions have no errors and that they are accurate as possible.