Precedent and authority

Precedent is an earlier case that is relevant to a case to be decided. If there is nothing to distinguish the circumstances of the current case from the already-decided one, the earlier holding is considered binding on the court. Authority can be either mandatory or persuasive. Mandatory authority is law that is binding on the court deciding the case. A case is only a precedent as to a particular set of facts and the precise legal issue decided in light of those facts. If the case is not a precedent, but contains an excellent analysis of the legal issues and provides guidance for a court, it is a persuasive authority.