consistency | Definition

Doc's CJ Glossary by Adam J. McKee
Course: General Term

Consistency in the procedural law context means that legal proceedings and decisions should be conducted in a uniform, predictable, and fair manner based on objective criteria and established rules and principles.


Consistency in the procedural law context refers to the principle that legal proceedings should be conducted in a uniform and predictable manner. This means that similar cases should be treated similarly and that legal decisions should be based on established rules and principles.

The principle of consistency is essential for the fair administration of justice, as it ensures that all parties involved in legal proceedings are treated equally and that outcomes are based on objective criteria. Consistency also promotes transparency and accountability in the legal system, as it helps to build trust in the fairness of legal decisions.

Consistency in the procedural law context is achieved through a number of mechanisms. One important mechanism is the use of precedent. Precedent refers to legal decisions that have been made in similar cases and that are considered binding on future cases. The use of precedent helps to ensure consistency in legal decision-making, as it provides a clear framework for judges to follow when considering new cases.

Another important mechanism for achieving consistency in the procedural law context is the use of established legal rules and principles. Legal rules and principles are developed over time through legal scholarship and judicial decision-making and provide a framework for legal decision-making that is based on objective criteria. The use of established legal rules and principles helps to ensure consistency in legal decision-making, as it provides a clear framework for judges to follow when considering new cases.

Consistency in the procedural law context also requires that legal decisions be based on relevant facts and evidence. Legal decisions should not be based on subjective or extraneous factors, such as personal bias or political considerations. Instead, legal decisions should be based on objective criteria that are relevant to the legal issues at hand.

The principle of consistency in the procedural law context also extends to the way that legal proceedings are conducted. Legal proceedings should be conducted in a fair and impartial manner, and all parties should be given an equal opportunity to present their case. The use of established legal procedures, such as rules of evidence and rules of procedure, helps to ensure consistency in legal proceedings, as it provides a clear framework for how legal proceedings should be conducted.

Finally, consistency in the procedural law context requires that legal decisions be enforceable. Legal decisions that are not enforceable undermine the credibility of the legal system and erode public trust in the fairness of legal decision-making. To ensure enforceability, legal decisions must be made in accordance with established legal rules and principles, and must be based on relevant facts and evidence.


[ Glossary ]

Last Modified: 04/26/2023

 

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