Stare decisis means:

Stare decisis means:

• A. Let the decision stand
• B. Follow the previous decision only when convenient
• C. The decision can be ignored in similar cases
• D. Courts should not rely on precedent

Answer: (A)

Stare decisis is the principle that courts should follow and apply the decisions already made in earlier cases, letting those rulings stand to govern future similar disputes. This creates consistency and predictability in the law, so people and institutions can rely on how issues will be resolved. In practice, it means lower courts typically follow the rulings of higher courts within the same jurisdiction, using past decisions as a guide. Precedent can be revisited or overturned, but only when a court (or legislature) decides the old ruling is no longer appropriate or applicable to the current facts. The other options describe ignoring precedent or following it only selectively, which is not what stare decisis entails.

Stare decisis is the principle that courts should follow and apply the decisions already made in earlier cases, letting those rulings stand to govern future similar disputes. This creates consistency and predictability in the law, so people and institutions can rely on how issues will be resolved. In practice, it means lower courts typically follow the rulings of higher courts within the same jurisdiction, using past decisions as a guide. Precedent can be revisited or overturned, but only when a court (or legislature) decides the old ruling is no longer appropriate or applicable to the current facts. The other options describe ignoring precedent or following it only selectively, which is not what stare decisis entails.