Which legal principle allows courts to follow previous rulings?

The legal principle that allows courts to follow previous rulings is known as precedent. Precedent refers to the doctrine that obligates courts to follow historical cases when making a ruling on a similar current or future case. This principle is foundational in the common law system, where court decisions are based on the outcomes of earlier cases, promoting consistency and stability in the law. By adhering to precedent, courts ensure that similar facts lead to similar outcomes, which is essential for fairness and predictability in the legal process.

In this context, precedent serves not only as a guide for judges when interpreting laws and applying them to specific cases but also provides a framework for legal arguments and strategies employed by attorneys. This principle fosters trust in the judicial system, as parties involved in litigation can predict how their case might be decided based on prior rulings.

Other choices, such as statutory law, refer to laws enacted by legislative bodies and do not encompass the practice of following prior court decisions. Common law represents legal principles not derived from statutes but established through case law, of which precedent is a key element. Amicus curiae, meaning "friend of the court," refers to someone who is not a party to a case but offers information or expertise relevant to the case,