stare decisis
noun
sta·re de·ci·sis
ˌster-ē-di-ˈsī-səs 
ˌstär-
: a doctrine or policy of following rules or principles laid down in previous judicial decisions unless they contravene the ordinary principles of justice
Examples of stare decisis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lawyers love to use Latin, and recently, the U.S. Tax Court relied on the notion of stare decisis to rule on a tax case (Mukhi) based on a prior case (Farhy).
—
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Of course, this Court’s Republican majority has shown little regard for stare decisis, at least in cases that divide along partisan lines.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
In the majority opinion, Chief Justice Roberts suggested that there was a form of stare decisis for rules that already had been upheld under the Chevron doctrine not to be relitigated.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Still, Sheridan argued that stare decisis, along with lawmakers’ inability to pass legislation effectively addressing gun safety issues, required him to rule in favor of the rifle club association.
—Ray Lewis, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stare decisis
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
Of course, this Court’s Republican majority has shown little regard for stare decisis, at least in cases that divide along partisan lines.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
In the majority opinion, Chief Justice Roberts suggested that there was a form of stare decisis for rules that already had been upheld under the Chevron doctrine not to be relitigated.
—Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024
Still, Sheridan argued that stare decisis, along with lawmakers’ inability to pass legislation effectively addressing gun safety issues, required him to rule in favor of the rifle club association.
—Ray Lewis, Baltimore Sun, 1 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for stare decisis
Cite this Entry
“Stare decisis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stare%20decisis. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
stare decisis
noun
sta·re de·ci·sis
ˈster-ē-di-ˈsī-sis, ˈstär-ē-; ˈstä-rā-dā-ˈkē-sēs
: the doctrine under which courts adhere to precedent on questions of law in order to insure certainty, consistency, and stability in the administration of justice with departure from precedent permitted for compelling reasons (as to prevent the perpetuation of injustice)
Etymology
New Latin, to stand by things that have been settled
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share