Precedent Ruling Log
Purpose
This log helps learners feel how early decisions shape later ones.
When to Use It
- Week 10
- Any rule-interpretation activity where earlier rulings are meant to constrain later ones
Student Directions
Fill in one row for each case. Keep referring back to earlier cases as you go.
Facilitator Notes
- Run cases in order.
- Ask learners to name the prior case that controls the new one.
- Use the last two columns only when the learner is ready for them. The older legal words can come later.
Template
| Case # | Facts | Rule text | My ruling | Why I ruled this way | Which earlier case controls this one? | Important difference? | Change old answer? | What this means for future cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||
| 3 | ||||||||
| 4 | ||||||||
| 5 | ||||||||
| 6 | ||||||||
| 7 | ||||||||
| 8 |
Younger Learner Adaptation
- Use four cases instead of eight.
- Replace the last three columns with one prompt: "How did an earlier case affect this one?"
Older Learner Extension
- Add a final paragraph: "Which ruling would I change now, and why?"
- Add place or system notes if comparing different legal systems or school systems.