Definition of stare decisis
: a doctrine or policy of following rules or principles laid down in previous judicial decisions unless they contravene the ordinary principles of justice
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Recent Examples of stare decisis from the Web
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There’s also a doctrinal discussion about whether the Supreme Court cares or not about stare decisis, or its tradition of adhering to and reaffirming its own precedents.
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An optimist might speculate that the chief justice, who cares deeply about the court’s institutional legitimacy, would uphold the decision as a matter of stare decisis.
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Origin and Etymology of stare decisis
Latin, to stand by decided matters
Other Legal Terms
Law Dictionary
legal Definition of stare decisis
: 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)
Origin and Etymology of stare decisis
New Latin, to stand by things that have been settled
Learn More about stare decisis
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stare decisis
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