Applying Precedent

Procedures

1. Using this approach, give students the facts, issues, and arguments of a case.
2. Then provide students with the decisions in similar past cases that might serve as precedent, or as a guide for decision making in the present case.
3. Ask students to take on the role of a judge to determine whether the cases that may serve as precedent apply to the case. For each precedent listed, answer the following questions:
4. After analyzing the possible precedents, have students determine how the case should be decided, explaining their reasons and citing the relevant precedents.