判例（はんれい、hanrei）
- precedent

The Japanese word 判例 はんれい refers to a judicial precedent or case law. It represents a legal principle established by a court decision, which is then used as a guide for future similar cases. 判例 provides an interpretation of the law and serves as a reference point for lawyers, judges, and legal scholars. It helps ensure consistency and predictability in the application of the law.

⚫︎最高裁判所の判例 Translation: Supreme Court precedent ⚫︎重要な判例を研究する Translation: To study important case law ⚫︎この事件は新しい判例を作った Translation: This case created a new precedent

This word is commonly used in legal discussions, academic research, and news reporting about legal matters. You would use 判例 when talking about specific court decisions that have established legal principles, legal precedence, or legal rules. It's essential when discussing how a certain legal issue has been previously addressed by the courts.

判例 is written using the kanji 判 (han, meaning judgment or decision) and 例 (rei, meaning example or precedent). The reading is はんれい in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word, and the okurigana is fixed.

⚫︎ 判例法 (hanrei-hou) - Case law (this term emphasizes the law aspect.) ⚫︎ 先例 (senrei) - Precedent (general term)

There aren't direct antonyms for 判例 as it refers to a specific type of legal concept.

この事件の判例を詳しく調べてください。 ・Translation: Please research the precedents for this case in detail. ・Explanation: This sentence directs someone to conduct research on existing case law to understand the legal context of a particular situation.

新しい法律は、過去の判例と矛盾する場合がある。 ・Translation: New laws may sometimes conflict with past precedents. ・Explanation: This sentence discusses the potential conflicts that might arise when new legislation challenges established legal precedents.

The word 判例 is a compound word formed from the kanji 判, which originally meant "to judge" or "to decide", and 例 which means "example" or "precedent". It reflects the concept of a judicial decision serving as an example or standard for future similar cases. The meaning of the word has remained consistent over time.