What does the doctrine of stare decisis establish in legal proceedings?

The doctrine of stare decisis is a fundamental principle in the legal system that emphasizes the importance of precedent in judicial decision-making. This doctrine asserts that courts should follow the precedents set by previous legal decisions when handling cases with similar facts or issues. By adhering to established rulings, stare decisis promotes consistency and predictability in the law, ensuring that similar cases are treated alike and fostering stability in the legal system.

When a court decides a new case, it refers to prior decisions, or precedents, made by higher courts, particularly those within the same jurisdiction. This practice reduces the potential for arbitrary ruling, as judges must take into account how similar issues have been resolved previously. Following this doctrine allows individuals and entities to have a clearer understanding of their legal rights and obligations based on established law.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of stare decisis. The doctrine does not insist that precedent cannot change; rather, it allows for the evolution of the law over time through careful reconsideration of past decisions. It also does not give courts the unrestricted ability to create new law without regard to precedent, nor does it require all disputes to rely solely on precedent in a rigid manner. Instead, it promotes a balanced approach where previous decisions guide but