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

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

The holdings of those cases that specific agency actions are lawful—including the Clean Air Act holding of Chevron itself—are still subject to statutory stare decisis despite our change in interpretive methodology. —Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 15 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, to stand by decided matters

First Known Use

1754, in the meaning defined above

Legal 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