A precedent; a previous example or case that can serve as a reference.
そのようなトラブルの前例がないため、対応に時間がかかった。
Because there was no precedent for such a problem, the response took time.
前例に倣って手続きを進めれば問題ないだろう。
If we follow the precedent, proceeding with the procedure should be fine.
裁判所は過去の前例を参考に判断した。
The court made its decision with reference to past precedents.