Stare Decisis

Stare decisis is a legal principle that means "to stand by things decided." It ensures that courts follow previous rulings when making decisions in similar cases. This promotes consistency and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and businesses to understand their rights and obligations. When a higher court makes a decision, lower courts are generally obligated to adhere to that ruling in future cases, unless there is a compelling reason to overturn it. This creates stability in the legal system and helps avoid arbitrary decisions.