The doctrine that requires courts to follow established precedent is known as:

The doctrine that requires courts to follow established precedent is known as:

• A. Stare decisis
• B. Res judicata
• C. Voir dire
• D. Habeas corpus

Answer: (A)

Stare decisis is the principle that courts follow established precedent, standing by decisions made in earlier cases when the facts are similar. This creates consistency and predictability in the law, which is crucial in medical law and ethics for things like patient rights, informed consent, and malpractice standards. Courts apply the same legal rules to similar situations to ensure fair and stable outcomes over time. While courts may sometimes overturn or distinguish precedent in exceptional circumstances, the default aim is to uphold the earlier ruling. Res judicata refers to once-final judgments preventing re-litigation of the same claim, voir dire is the jury-selection process, and habeas corpus is a writ challenging unlawful detention.

Stare decisis is the principle that courts follow established precedent, standing by decisions made in earlier cases when the facts are similar. This creates consistency and predictability in the law, which is crucial in medical law and ethics for things like patient rights, informed consent, and malpractice standards. Courts apply the same legal rules to similar situations to ensure fair and stable outcomes over time. While courts may sometimes overturn or distinguish precedent in exceptional circumstances, the default aim is to uphold the earlier ruling.

Res judicata refers to once-final judgments preventing re-litigation of the same claim, voir dire is the jury-selection process, and habeas corpus is a writ challenging unlawful detention.