Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam – Complete Study Resource 2026

The legal principle that establishes precedents from prior court decisions is known as Stare Decisis. This doctrine plays a crucial role in the common law system, where decisions made in previous court cases guide judges in resolving current cases. When a court follows the principle of Stare Decisis, it ensures consistency, stability, and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and entities to rely on established legal precedents.

Under Stare Decisis, lower courts are generally bound to follow the legal rulings made by higher courts within their jurisdiction. This mechanism not only streamlines the judicial process but also upholds the integrity of the legal system by reinforcing the importance of past decisions in shaping legal interpretations and applications.