What doctrine means standing by decided matters and following precedent?

• A. Common law
• B. Amendments
• C. Subcultural theory
• D. Stare decisis

Answer: (D)

Stare decisis is the doctrine that means standing by decided matters and following precedent. In the common law system, courts resolve cases by looking to prior decisions with similar facts, and the rule those earlier decisions establish guides later judgments. This creates consistency and predictability, since people can rely on how similar situations have been ruled in the past. Higher courts’ decisions bind lower courts, and while precedents can be reconsidered or overturned when needed, the default is to follow established rulings. The other terms describe different ideas—common law is the broad system built from court decisions, amendments are changes to laws, and subcultural theory is unrelated to this legal principle.