Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'precedent'

English Word: precedent

Key Russian Translations:

• прецедент /prɪˈtsɛdənt/ - [Formal, Legal context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in legal and academic discussions but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of legal terminology and noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

прецедент: /prɪˈtsɛdənt/

Note on прецедент: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the 'ts' sound, which is a voiceless alveolar affricate. Variations may occur in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A previous case or decision that serves as an example or rule for future similar cases (Legal precedent)

Translation(s) & Context:

• прецедент - Used in formal legal, judicial, or academic contexts to refer to a binding decision based on prior rulings.

Usage Examples:

• Этот прецедент повлиял на решение суда. (This precedent influenced the court's decision.)

  English Translation: This precedent influenced the court's decision.

• В правовой системе США прецеденты играют ключевую роль. (In the US legal system, precedents play a key role.)

  English Translation: In the US legal system, precedents play a key role.

• Судьи должны учитывать предыдущие прецеденты при вынесении вердикта. (Judges must consider previous precedents when delivering a verdict.)

  English Translation: Judges must consider previous precedents when delivering a verdict.

• Отсутствие прецедента делает этот случай уникальным. (The absence of a precedent makes this case unique.)

  English Translation: The absence of a precedent makes this case unique.

• Прецедент 1963 года изменил подход к гражданским правам. (The 1963 precedent changed the approach to civil rights.)

  English Translation: The 1963 precedent changed the approach to civil rights.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "прецедент" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian and follows the standard third declension pattern for nouns ending in a consonant. It inflects based on case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • пример (primer) - A general example, often less formal.
  • аналог (analog) - Used for similar cases in a broader context.
• Antonyms:
  • исключение (isklyucheniye) - An exception to the rule.
  • новшество (novshestvo) - An innovation or novelty, implying no prior example.

Related Phrases:

• судебный прецедент (sudebnyy pretsedent) - Judicial precedent; refers to a legal decision that sets a standard.
• установить прецедент (ustanovit' pretsedent) - To set a precedent; used when a decision creates a new rule.
• на основе прецедента (na osnove pretsedenta) - Based on precedent; indicates reliance on prior cases.

Usage Notes:

"Прецедент" directly corresponds to the English "precedent" in legal contexts, but it is primarily used in formal or professional settings in Russian. Unlike English, where "precedent" can sometimes appear in everyday language, Russian speakers reserve it for discussions involving law, history, or academia. When choosing between translations, use "прецедент" for precise legal meanings; for more general examples, "пример" might be more appropriate. Be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using "прецедент" without proper declension, e.g., saying "в прецедент" instead of "в прецеденте" (in the prepositional case).

  Correct Usage: В прецеденте указано... (In the precedent, it is stated...)

  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with their prepositions; failing to do so can make the sentence ungrammatical.

• Common Error: Confusing "прецедент" with "предшественник" (predecessor), which means a person or thing that came before, not a legal example.

  Correct Usage: Use "прецедент" for legal contexts only.

  Explanation: This mix-up arises from similar roots, but they have distinct meanings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and legal systems, the concept of "прецедент" is less emphasized than in common law countries like the US or UK, as Russia follows a civil law tradition based on codified statutes. However, in post-Soviet legal reforms, precedents from international courts (e.g., the European Court of Human Rights) have gained influence, reflecting Russia's integration into global legal frameworks.

Related Concepts:

• закон (zakon) - Law
• судебная практика (sudebnaya praktika) - Judicial practice
• юридический прецедент (yuridicheskiy pretsedent) - Legal precedent (a variation)