Unlike Western judges, qadis do not look to precedent when deciding the outcome of a dispute. Although it is entirely possible for a qadi to reach the same decision as was reached in a previous similar case, this depends heavily on the character and background of the individuals involved. The same set of facts, applied to different people, can lead a qadi to make different decisions. What is not taken into account by the qadis in formulating their verdict is the intention of the accused's actions. Whether or not the accused intended to commit the act or its consequences is of no importance in the eyes of the qadi. On the contrary, only the effects of a person's actions really matter and are taken into consideration by the