What is precedent? (A) It is a doctrine of international law - HSC - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 1 - 2004 - Paper 1

Precedent is a legal doctrine whereby courts are obliged to follow the principles established in previous court decisions. It is foundational to common law systems, as it helps to ensure consistency and predictability in the application of the law.

In this context, the most appropriate answer is:

(C) It is a doctrine that helps achieve consistency in the law.

This explanation emphasizes the importance of maintaining uniformity in legal interpretations and decisions across similar cases, differentiating it from the other options which do not accurately describe the role of precedent.