Final answer:
Stare decisis is the legal principle of following past judicial decisions, or precedents, to ensure consistent and stable legal interpretations in the common law system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stare decisis is a fundamental legal principle in the U.S. court system. It translates to 'stand by things decided' from Latin and mandates that courts look to past judicial decisions, or precedents, to guide current and future rulings. This principle is an essential aspect of the common law system, promoting consistency and stability in legal interpretations.
By adhering to previous rulings, courts ensure that similar cases are treated similarly, contributing to the legitimacy and predictability of judicial decisions. Nonetheless, while stare decisis means that courts are generally reluctant to overturn precedent, it is not an absolute rule. Judges may deviate from past decisions if they believe the precedent is outdated or incorrect, particularly in situations involving human rights, civil rights, or constitutional issues.