History
The Role of Precedent in Common Law Legal Systems
Quick fact
In common law jurisdictions, the doctrine of precedent (stare decisis) means that judges are bound to follow the legal principles established in previous court decisions, ensuring that similar cases are treated alike and the law remains predictable.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a single court decision that quietly shapes millions of future lives. In common law countries, that's not just possible—it's the system's backbone.