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Law vocabulary · Latin Legal Terms

Stare decisis

Meaning in law, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In law, stare decisis means: The principle that courts should follow earlier decisions on the same legal question, so that the law stays consistent and predictable; Latin for 'to stand by things decided'.

In Turkish: emsale bağlılık ilkesi, emsal kararlara uyma ilkesi

How it is used

The foundation of precedent in common law systems. Writers discuss 'the doctrine of stare decisis' and when a top court may 'depart from' its own earlier decisions. Mostly used in academic writing and appeal judgments.

Example sentences

  1. Under stare decisis, the lower court had no choice but to follow the earlier ruling.

  2. This week's seminar compares stare decisis in England with the role of case law in Turkey.

Common collocations

  • doctrine of stare decisis
  • principle of stare decisis
  • depart from stare decisis
  • precedentAn earlier court decision that judges use as an example or a rule when they decide later cases with similar facts or legal questions.
  • case lawLaw that comes from the decisions of courts rather than from statutes; the body of earlier judgments that judges and lawyers rely on.
  • ratio decidendiThe legal reasoning that is necessary for a court's decision and that binds later courts; Latin for 'the reason for deciding'.
  • common lawThe legal system that developed in England and is used in countries such as the US, Canada and Australia, where court decisions are a main source of law; also the judge-made rules themselves.

More terms: Latin Legal Terms

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.