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The doctrine of precedent

The doctrine of precedent, also known as *stare decisis*, is a legal principle where courts follow previous decisions made in similar cases. This means that once a court establishes a legal rule or interpretation, other courts are expected to adhere to that decision in future cases, ensuring consistency and predictability in the law. However, higher courts' rulings hold more weight than those of lower courts. This approach helps create a stable legal system where people can understand their rights and obligations based on established legal precedents.

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    The Doctrine of Precedent is a legal principle that requires courts to follow the decisions made in previous similar cases. This ensures consistency and predictability in the law, as lower courts must adhere to the rulings of higher courts within the same jurisdiction. When judges analyze a case, they refer to prior judgments (or precedents) to guide their decisions. If a higher court changes the interpretation of a law, all lower courts must follow that new interpretation. This system helps maintain a stable and coherent legal framework while allowing for the evolution of legal interpretation over time.