Which constitutional principle requires courts to adhere to established precedents?

• A. Original jurisdiction
• B. Stare decisis
• C. Equity
• D. Diversity jurisdiction

Answer: (B)

Stare decisis is the principle that courts follow established precedents to ensure consistency and predictability in the law. This doctrine binds courts to apply rules set in earlier decisions in similar cases, with higher courts’ rulings guiding what lower courts must do. It creates stable expectations about how legal issues will be resolved and supports fair, uniform outcomes over time. While original jurisdiction and diversity jurisdiction relate to who has the authority to hear a case, not how rulings are made, and equity deals with fairness in outcomes rather than binding past decisions, stare decisis specifically governs adherence to precedent.