A contractual condition that suspends the coming into effect of a contract unless or until a certain event takes place.
Also in reference to a events which must occur before being eligible for other legal rights such as in Canada, an immigrant has to pass through the stage of permanent resident before applying for citizenship.
Many residential real estate contracts have a condition precedent which states that the contract is not binding until and unless the property is subjected to an professional inspection, the results of which are satisfactory to the purchaser.
Compare with condition subsequent.
REFERENCES & FURTHER READING
Re Going (DLR, 1951)