5 ms·
Oxford definition: "an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances."
by alea_iacta_est 5y ago
Oxford definition: "an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances."
- giaour 5y agoThe operative word there is "similar."
- alea_iacta_est 5y agoYes, similar as in "if we don't do that, insert_whatever_crazy_idea_here, we're gonna overwhelm the hospitals!!!" Because it's been the justification from day 1: "not overwhelm hospitals".
- giaour 5y agoYeah, that's not how precedent works. Precedent is used to justify the means, not to point out that past actions had the same or similar ends.