Stare Decisis Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Stare Decisis.

Stare Decisis (noun)

Stare Decisis is a legal principle where past court decisions are applied to new cases with similar facts and issues. This doctrine ensures consistency in law, where lower courts must follow the precedents set by higher courts, even if they disagree with the ruling. A change would require a different ruling from a higher court.