What is the legal principle of "stare decisis"?

The legal principle of "stare decisis" translates to "let the decision stand," which emphasizes the importance of adhering to precedents set by previous court decisions in future cases. This principle promotes stability and predictability in the legal system, allowing individuals and entities to rely on established interpretations of the law. By following past rulings, courts uphold the integrity of the judicial process and ensure that similar cases are treated consistently, thus fostering fairness.

While other choices touch on aspects of the judicial process—such as evaluating cases on an individual basis, resolving disputes, and reviewing prior judgments—they do not accurately capture the essence of what "stare decisis" signifies. The core of this principle is focused on maintaining consistency through the abiding respect for established legal precedents rather than merely resolving cases or reviewing judgments on a case-by-case basis.