Prepare for the Court Reporter Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations, to enhance your understanding. Get exam ready!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What does "stare decisis" signify in the legal context?

  1. Judges have the discretion to change verdicts

  2. Legal arguments must be consistent

  3. Let the decision stand based on precedents

  4. New interpretations of laws are favored

The correct answer is: Let the decision stand based on precedents

In the legal context, "stare decisis" signifies the principle of letting past decisions stand. This foundational doctrine emphasizes the importance of adhering to precedent in judicial decision-making. When a court encounters a case that is similar to one that has been previously decided, it is expected to follow the legal conclusions established in that earlier decision. This reliance on precedents promotes consistency, stability, and predictability in the law, which is crucial for both the functioning of the legal system and for individuals who seek to understand their rights and obligations under the law. By upholding previous rulings, courts help ensure that similar cases are treated in a similar manner, reinforcing the integrity of the judicial system as a whole.