When a court bases a decision on a previous court decision, the principle is __________.

When a court bases a decision on a previous court decision, the principle is __________.

• A. Originalism
• B. Stare decisis
• C. Statutory construction
• D. Amicus curiae

Answer: (B)

Stare decisis is the practice of following prior court decisions when deciding current cases. When a court bases its ruling on a previous decision, it’s applying this principle, which helps keep the law stable, predictable, and legitimate. It means courts treat earlier interpretations as guidance for similar situations, so people can rely on consistent outcomes. Sometimes judges distinguish the present facts from those in earlier cases or, in higher courts, may overrule precedent, but the default is to adhere to established rulings. The other terms refer to different ideas: originalism is about interpreting the Constitution as it was understood at the time of its framing; statutory construction is the process of interpreting statutes; amicus curiae refers to a person or group offering information to a court not as a party to the case.

Stare decisis is the practice of following prior court decisions when deciding current cases. When a court bases its ruling on a previous decision, it’s applying this principle, which helps keep the law stable, predictable, and legitimate. It means courts treat earlier interpretations as guidance for similar situations, so people can rely on consistent outcomes. Sometimes judges distinguish the present facts from those in earlier cases or, in higher courts, may overrule precedent, but the default is to adhere to established rulings. The other terms refer to different ideas: originalism is about interpreting the Constitution as it was understood at the time of its framing; statutory construction is the process of interpreting statutes; amicus curiae refers to a person or group offering information to a court not as a party to the case.