Stare decisis represents the principle of doctrinal precedent underpinning American common law. (The term stare decisis is Latin for “to stand by things decided.”) The doctrine of stare decisis encourages courts to resolve like cases alike, meaning that judges should follow earlier rulings when confronting issues that have been before them in prior litigation. [Source: Encyclopedia of Education Law; Stare Decisis]
stare decisis
concepts, theories, and legal principles
concepts
judicial precedent