As judges decisions were written down, often described as ' recorded '. in law reports that were common to the whole country. the idea of precedent developed. This means that when a judge decides the result of a particular case he or she must pay attention to the principles of law that come from an earlier case dealing with the same or similar points. In this way, a statement of law can become binding upon later judges and can become the law for everyone to follow. When does a particular decision, or pronouncement, by a judge become binding upon later judges? There are two important deciding factors: