What does the doctrine of stare decisis mean?

• A. Stare decisis
• B. Pro se
• C. Habeas corpus
• D. Restitution

Answer: (A)

Stare decisis means to stand by the decided cases. It is the principle that courts should follow the precedents set by earlier rulings when deciding current cases. This creates consistency and predictability in the law because similar facts should yield similar outcomes. In practice, lower courts must follow the interpretations and holdings of higher courts in the same jurisdiction, while decisions from other jurisdictions or lower courts can be persuasive but not binding. Precedents can be distinguished, limited, or overruled when a higher court or legislature changes the rule or a later decision undermines the old one. The other terms differ: pro se is representing oneself in court; habeas corpus is a legal action challenging unlawful detention; restitution is monetary compensation ordered to a victim. Stare decisis helps maintain stable, reliable results in criminal justice by relying on established rulings unless a change is warranted.