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
Examples of stare decisis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
What makes the Court different from other political actors is stare decisis, the tradition of respecting its earlier decisions, something Congress does not have to worry about.
—
Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Additionally, the Tax Court explained that its earlier reasoning in Hallmark was not just based on stare decisis (i.e., relying on past cases of the Tax Court), but rather also the prior-construction canon.
—Timothy M. Todd, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
Despite this, the justices still declined to overturn the exemption on stare decisis grounds.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 21 Sep. 2023
There is no way to replace who sits on the courts quickly or change conservative disdain for stare decisis.
—Brynn Tannehill, The New Republic, 10 Apr. 2023
When that happens, stare decisis is not a straitjacket.
—Tim Dillon, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2023
This battle of the branches comes under scrutiny most often when the justices use the Constitution to expand or contract rights or deviate from stare decisis to overturn previous rulings.
—WSJ, 28 Feb. 2023
That's the stare decisis.
—Corrinne Hess, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2023
What is stare decisis?
—The Week Staff, The Week, 22 May 2022
Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024
Additionally, the Tax Court explained that its earlier reasoning in Hallmark was not just based on stare decisis (i.e., relying on past cases of the Tax Court), but rather also the prior-construction canon.
—Timothy M. Todd, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023
Despite this, the justices still declined to overturn the exemption on stare decisis grounds.
—Matt Ford, The New Republic, 21 Sep. 2023
There is no way to replace who sits on the courts quickly or change conservative disdain for stare decisis.
—Brynn Tannehill, The New Republic, 10 Apr. 2023
When that happens, stare decisis is not a straitjacket.
—Tim Dillon, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2023
This battle of the branches comes under scrutiny most often when the justices use the Constitution to expand or contract rights or deviate from stare decisis to overturn previous rulings.
—WSJ, 28 Feb. 2023
That's the stare decisis.
—Corrinne Hess, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2023
What is stare decisis?
—The Week Staff, The Week, 22 May 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stare decisis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Stare decisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stare%20decisis. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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