What is the legal doctrine of "stare decisis"?

The legal doctrine of "stare decisis" translates from Latin to mean "to stand by things decided." This principle emphasizes the importance of adhering to previous court decisions in similar cases to ensure consistency and predictability in the law. When courts apply stare decisis, they look to prior rulings to inform their current judgments, allowing established legal precedents to guide them.

This doctrine fosters stability in the legal system by providing a framework within which individuals and entities can understand their rights and obligations based on past decisions. By following established precedents, courts help maintain the rule of law and promote fairness, as similar cases are treated alike.

In contrast, the other choices reference different legal concepts. For example, establishing new precedents refers to the creation of a legal standard in a novel case, which runs counter to the principle of stare decisis. Similarly, interpreting the Constitution involves assessing its meaning and application, which does not inherently involve looking to past decisions as the cornerstone of the judgment. Lastly, the notion of voiding unconstitutional laws is a specific judicial action that can result from applying principles of constitutional law but is not directly related to the doctrine of stare decisis itself. Therefore, the correct identification of the doctrine as "to stand by things decided" encaps