Final answer:
When the judicial branch is 'bound down by strict rules and precedents,' it means that judges are required to adhere to and follow established legal precedents when making decisions in new cases. This principle, known as stare decisis, promotes consistency and predictability in the court system.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the judicial branch is 'bound down by strict rules and precedents,' it means that judges are required to adhere to and follow established legal precedents when making decisions in new cases. This principle is known as stare decisis, which promotes consistency and predictability in the court system. As a result, when the judicial branch is bound by strict rules and precedents, the outcome of a case is more likely to align with prior decisions, ensuring fairness and uniformity in the application of the law.