A Level Law Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Prepare for the A Level Law Exam with engaging quizzes and practice questions. Our platform offers tailored resources that help you understand key legal concepts and improve your exam-taking skills.

Practice this question and more.

What does the term 'stare decisis' refer to?

Creating new laws based on public opinion
Abiding by decisions in future legal cases
Repealing outdated judicial decisions
Engaging in public consultations for law-making

The correct answer is: Abiding by decisions in future legal cases

The term 'stare decisis' refers to the legal principle that obligates courts to respect the precedents set by previous decisions. This means that once a court has ruled on a particular legal issue, that ruling should be followed in future cases with similar circumstances. This principle promotes consistency and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and legal professionals to have a clear understanding of how laws are applied based on established case precedents. The other options touch upon various aspects of law and governance but do not accurately describe the essence of 'stare decisis.' For instance, creating new laws based on public opinion involves legislative action rather than the judicial reliance on past decisions. Repealing outdated judicial decisions is a different concept that might relate more to appeals or legislation rather than the adherence that 'stare decisis' implies. Lastly, engaging in public consultations for law-making focuses on the democratic process rather than the judicial principle of following established case law.