A precursor to law can have several synonyms such as antecedent, forerunner, predecessor, and harbinger. It is a term used to describe a specific event or action that paves the way for a new law or regulation. For instance, historical events like the Boston Tea Party are considered precursors to the American Revolution and the eventual adoption of the US Constitution. In the legal context, precursors to law can refer to judicial decisions or legislative acts that lead to the creation of new laws or changes to existing ones. Regardless of the connotation, the term "precursor to law" implies that it sets the stage for new legal developments.