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Stare decisis is a Latin term that translates to “to stand by things decided.” It is a legal doctrine that refers to the principle of following established precedents in judicial decision-making. In simpler terms, it means that courts should generally adhere to previous court rulings when deciding similar cases.

The principle of stare decisis is important for maintaining consistency, predictability, and stability in the legal system. It allows for the development of a body of legal principles over time and ensures that similar cases are treated in a similar manner, promoting fairness and equality.