What is a dangerous precedent?

A dangerous precedent refers to a ruling or decision that establishes a pattern or foundation for future cases, which may lead to undesirable outcomes or exceptions in similar situations. When a precedent is labeled as "dangerous," it indicates that the legal or ethical implications could open the door to negative repercussions, resulting in a deviation from established norms or standards. This can occur if a case sets a rule that others might follow that could undermine justice, fairness, or equity.

For example, if a court allows a certain type of discrimination in one case, this might encourage future cases to follow suit, thus creating a hazardous legal environment that affects many other individuals similarly positioned. This concept is particularly significant in law and policy-making where the long-term consequences of decisions are carefully considered.