Question

Richard is a state appeals court judge. In making judicial decisions, Richard issues rulings which are consistent with precedents established in similar cases within his jurisdiction. Richard is following the principle of:

Answer 1

Answer: stare decisis.

Richard is following the principle of stare decisis because he issues rulings that are consistent with precedents. A precedent is a rule established in a previous legal case that is binding and persuasive. Stare decisis is derived from a Latin word meaning “to stand by things decided.”