Stare decisis is the principle that after a precedent is established, it should be followed in subsequent cases.

• A. Once A Case Has Established A Precedent, It Should Be Followed In Subsequent Cases Involving The Same Issues
• B. It Requires Overruling All Prior Decisions
• C. It Applies Only To Criminal Law
• D. It Has No Impact On Court Decisions

Answer: (A)

Stare decisis means standing by decided cases. Its main idea is that once a court establishes a precedent, that rule should guide later decisions involving the same issues. This creates consistency and predictability in the law, so people can rely on how rules will be applied in similar situations. It does not require overruling all prior decisions; courts may reconsider precedents under certain circumstances, but the default is to follow them. It isn’t limited to criminal law, and it does influence how courts decide cases. So, the statement that a precedent should be followed in subsequent cases involving the same issues is the best description.