Stare decisis refers to which concept?

• A. The principle of trial by jury
• B. The theory of precedent and abiding by precedent
• C. The doctrine of stare at the door
• D. The rule against ex post facto laws

Answer: (B)

Stare decisis is the idea that courts should follow previous decisions when the facts are similar. This principle ensures consistency and predictability in the law, so people in similar situations are treated alike. It relies on past judicial decisions as binding or persuasive guidance for future cases, especially when coming from higher courts. When a new case presents similar legal issues, courts apply the same rules and outcomes unless there’s a valid reason to distinguish the current case or the prior precedent has been overturned or altered.

The other options refer to different ideas: trial by jury concerns who decides the facts of a case, not how previous decisions guide future rulings; a non-existent or irrelevant “stare at the door” doesn't reflect recognized legal doctrine; and ex post facto prohibitions deal with laws applying retroactively, not with how courts follow prior decisions.