What does "stare decisis" emphasize in legal contexts?

"Stare decisis" is a fundamental legal doctrine that emphasizes the importance of adhering to established rulings in previous cases. This principle ensures consistency and predictability in the law by requiring courts to follow the legal precedents set by prior decisions. By doing so, it promotes stability in the legal system, allowing individuals and entities to rely on established case law when making decisions and navigating legal matters.

When courts apply "stare decisis," they give weight to previous judicial decisions, which helps to maintain a coherent body of law over time. This approach encourages fairness by ensuring that similar cases are treated alike, thereby fostering confidence in the legal system. It is not about creating new laws or ignoring past rulings; instead, it reinforces the significance of the accumulated wisdom of the judiciary by upholding previously established legal interpretations.