When courts use previous court decisions in deciding future cases of a similar nature they are applying?

Asked by: Mr. Arno Tillman DVM  |  Last update: February 20, 2026
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When courts use previous decisions in similar cases, they are applying the legal principle of stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided," relying on established precedent to ensure consistency and predictability in the law. This doctrine requires judges to follow rules, principles, and standards from earlier cases with comparable facts or legal issues, forming a cornerstone of common law systems.

When courts use previous court decisions in deciding current cases of a similar nature, they are applying.?

Precedent, or stare decisis—a Latin term meaning “to stand by things decided”—refers to the principle that courts should follow previous decisions in similar cases.

What is a previous court decision called?

precedent. Precedent refers to a court decision that is considered an authority for deciding subsequent cases involving identical or similar facts, or similar legal issues. Precedent is incorporated into the doctrine of stare decisis and requires courts to apply the law in the same manner to cases with the same facts.

What type of law is based on previous court decisions?

Stare decisis is the doctrine that courts will adhere to precedent in making their decisions.

What is a court decision that stands as an example to be followed in future similar cases?

Stare decisis is the policy of the court to stand by precedent; the term is but an abbreviation of stare decisis et non quieta movere—"to stand by and adhere to decisions and not disturb what is settled". Consider the word "decisis". The word means, literally and legally, the decision.

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30 related questions found

What is certiorari meaning in law?

The word certiorari comes from Law Latin, meaning "to be more fully informed." A writ of certiorari orders a lower court to deliver its record in a case so that the higher court may review it. The writ of certiorari is a common law writ, which may be abrogated or controlled entirely by statute or court rules.

What are the two types of precedence?

The two main types of precedence, particularly in law and project management, are Binding vs. Persuasive (legal) and Vertical vs. Horizontal (legal/stare decisis), alongside task dependencies like Finish-to-Start (project management). Legally, binding precedent must be followed, while persuasive precedent can be considered, whereas vertically, lower courts follow higher courts, and horizontally, courts follow their own past rulings. In project management, precedence defines task order, like tasks needing to finish before others start (Finish-to-Start). 

What is a set of laws determined by earlier court decisions?

Stare decisis, meaning in Latin “to stand by things decided,” is a legal principle that directs courts to adhere to previous judgments — or judgments of higher or tribunals — as it has persuasive and binding authority while resolving a case with allegedly comparable facts.

What is a case law application?

When an appellate court decides a case they will often write an opinion, called case law, that says what they decided and how they interpreted and applied the law to the case. You can use these opinions to support how a judge should apply the law in your situation.

What are the three types of law?

The basic divisions in the U.S. legal system are the criminal, civil, and administrative. Criminal laws are statutes enacted to maintain order in society. Compensating individuals who have been injured physically or economically is a civil law problem.

What is another name for a court decision?

An "order" is a decision issued by a court or authoritative body, ranging from final judgments to temporary directives.

Are court decisions retroactive?

As a general proposition judicial decisions are said to enunciate the law as it has always existed. Hence decisions have retroactive effect in all but a few types of civil cases.

What is a court's decision that influences and may come precedent for later cases called?

Stare Decisis, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed. 2014) (defining stare decisis as the doctrine of precedent, under which a court must follow earlier judicial decisions when the same points arise again in litigation ); Precedent, Black's Law Dictionary (10th ed.

What are previous court rulings called?

Share: Stare Decisis—a Latin term that means “let the decision stand” or “to stand by things decided”—is a foundational concept in the American legal system. To put it simply, stare decisis holds that courts and judges should honor “precedent”—or the decisions, rulings, and opinions from prior cases.

What is Latin for "let the decision stand"?

Stare Decisis is a Latin term meaning “let the decision stand” or “to stand by things decided,” and it is a foundational concept in American law.

What is the common law principle in which courts apply previous decisions to subsequent cases involving similar facts and questions?

Stare decisis is the common law principle that requires courts to follow precedents set by other courts. Under stare decisis, courts are obliged to follow some precedents, but not others. Because of the many layers of our federal system, it can be difficult to figure out which decisions bind a given court.

What are the 4 types of law?

The four main types of law, especially in the U.S. system, are Constitutional Law, Statutory Law, Administrative Law, and Case Law (Common Law), which derive from different governmental sources, from supreme foundational principles (Constitution) to laws passed by legislatures (Statutes), rules from agencies (Regulations), and judge-made precedents (Case Law). 

What does application mean in a court case?

Simple Definition of application

In a legal context, an "application" refers to a formal request or petition made to an authority, court, or organization. It is typically submitted to initiate a process, seek a specific action, or obtain a particular right or benefit.

What is a source of laws that are based on previous judicial or court decisions?

case law. Case law is law that is based on judicial decisions rather than law based on constitutions, statutes, or regulations. Case law concerns unique disputes resolved by courts using the concrete facts of a case. By contrast, statutes and regulations are written abstractly.

What does "to set a precedent" mean?

To "set a precedent" means to establish a rule, action, or decision that serves as an example or standard for future, similar situations, guiding subsequent choices or rulings. It creates a benchmark, ensuring consistency and fairness, especially in legal contexts where past court decisions influence future ones (stare decisis). This concept applies beyond law to business policies, social norms, and sports. 

What source of law is based on the precedents of previous court decisions?

Primary sources are classified as the following: case law, administrative law, federal or state statutes, state constitutions or the U.S. Constitution. Case Law: Case Law is based on the prior rulings in the judicial system; otherwise known as precedent. Case law guides the courts on how to rule on future decisions.

What is an example of a common law?

What Is an Example of Common Law? The concept of common-law marriage, which acknowledges similar rights as those that have a marriage license to couples that are not officially married if several conditions are met, is one example of common law in action today.

What are the different types of precedents?

Precedent can be categorized into two main types:

  • Vertical Precedent: Vertical precedent refers to decisions made by higher courts within the same jurisdiction that bind lower courts. ...
  • Horizontal Precedent: Horizontal precedent involves decisions made by courts of the same level within the same jurisdiction.

What is the paradox of precedent?

Precedent about precedent presents a paradox that gives it a unique status within our system of stare decisis because a court overruling precedent about precedent will not apply the stare decisis framework that the precedent about precedent established.

What binds future decisions in the common law?

In the common law system, future decisions are bound by b. The body of precedent. Precedent refers to past decisions and rulings that serve as a guide for future cases. This principle is essential in common law jurisdictions, as it ensures consistency and predictability in the application of the law.