The nature of precedent is inherently contemporary,meaning that judges can use their discretion and ignore past cases in order to force evolution of the law in accordance with policy directives.

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Precedent is a fundamental aspect of common law systems, where judges are bound to follow the decisions of higher courts or their own previous decisions in similar cases, also known as stare decisis. While judges have some discretion in interpreting and applying precedent, they generally cannot ignore past cases without good reason. Overturning or distinguishing past cases should be done sparingly and with a clear justification, as consistency and predictability in the law are important values. However, when faced with novel or complex issues, judges may have to adapt or modify existing precedents to align with changing social norms and policy goals. Ultimately, the extent to which a judge can depart from precedent will depend on the jurisdiction, the level of court, and the specific circumstances of each case.

The Nature of Precedent Is Inherently Contemporary,meaning That Judges Can