Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What is the principle of Stare Decisis in the context of Common Law?

1. It allows courts to ignore previous decisions

2. It mandates that lower courts follow the decisions of higher courts

3. It encourages innovative rulings regardless of precedent

4. It requires all judges to reach the same conclusion

The correct answer is: It mandates that lower courts follow the decisions of higher courts

The principle of Stare Decisis is fundamental to the Common Law legal system because it mandates that lower courts follow the decisions of higher courts in similar cases. This principle ensures consistency and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and entities to have a clear understanding of their legal rights and obligations. By adhering to established precedents, courts maintain stability in the legal system, which is essential for fair and just outcomes. This commitment to precedent upholds the integrity of the law by ensuring that similar cases are treated alike, thereby fostering public confidence in the judicial system. The relationship between different levels of courts reinforces a hierarchical structure where higher court decisions serve as binding authority for lower courts, enhancing the coherence of legal interpretations across various jurisdictions. In contrast, the other options misinterpret the role of Stare Decisis. Some suggest that courts could dismiss previous rulings entirely or prioritize innovative judgments over established law, which would undermine the reliability that Stare Decisis is designed to protect. Others imply a requirement for uniformity in judicial conclusions that is impractical, as it doesn’t account for the nuanced differences in each case or in the perspectives of different judges.