Example is a neutral word for a case that shows a point, and it does not create a duty by itself. This word may be too weak when an earlier choice could guide a later one.
What "example" doesn't tell you
"We approved a discount for that client as an example of flexibility."
This shows flexibility, but will other clients ask for the same terms? "Example" does not raise that issue.
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See how Lyra Practice works →What "precedent" adds
Precedent means an earlier decision or case that may guide a similar case later, and people may cite it to support the same result. In law, its authority depends on the court, jurisdiction, and type of decision.
"Approving that discount may set a precedent — other clients may expect the same terms."
"We should be careful here; this choice may guide how we handle similar vendor disputes."
Both sentences show that people may use the first choice in later cases. They do not prove that the first choice is a binding rule.
Quick swap
Instead of: "Let's use last quarter's exception as an example." Say: "Let's be careful — last quarter's exception may serve as a precedent, so Legal may ask about a different result."
Instead of: "Here's an example of how we handled a similar request." Say: "There's a precedent for this: we granted the same request in March, so we should explain a different result."
Instead of: "That's just one example, not a rule." Say: "We need to decide if this is a one-off or a precedent we're comfortable setting."
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