stare decisis

noun

sta·​re de·​ci·​sis ˌster-ē-di-ˈsī-səs 

ˌstär-

: a doctrine or policy of following rules or principles laid down in previous judicial decisions unless they contravene the ordinary principles of justice compare precedent

Examples of stare decisis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To respond, Barrett explained the doctrine of stare decisis and the considerations that go into overturning precedent like reliance interests — or important things that would be called into question if a law or ruling no longer existed. —Samantha Riedel, Them., 20 Oct. 2025

And Kennedy stressed his belief in a core judicial principle of adherence to precedent, known by the Latin phrase stare decisis. —Cnn.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 Oct. 2025

Thomas cited the Brown decision as an example in which the high court correctly declined to defer to stare decisis, or the legal principle of following a court’s precedent to guide a ruling. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2025

Realistically, in other words, the Court will likely decide Catholic Charities based on the justices’ personal preferences, rather than by following the doctrine of stare decisis, which says that courts should typically follow their own precedents. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 24 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, to stand by decided matters

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stare decisis

• crisis
• lysis
• phthisis
• ecdysis
• haemoptysis
• hemoptysis

Legal Definition

stare decisis

noun

sta·​re de·​ci·​sis ˈster-ē-di-ˈsī-sis, ˈstär-ē-; ˈstä-rā-dā-ˈkē-sēs 

: the doctrine under which courts adhere to precedent on questions of law in order to insure certainty, consistency, and stability in the administration of justice with departure from precedent permitted for compelling reasons (as to prevent the perpetuation of injustice)

Etymology

New Latin, to stand by things that have been settled