prēˌjüdəˈkāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin praejudicatus (past participle of praejudicare ) + English -ion
1. : an act of prejudging : opinion formed in advance of or without adequate examination of evidence
2.
a. : a preliminary inquiry and determination of issues not directly involved in the merits of an action under Roman law
b. : a previous decision of a point at law : precedent