The Latin term “stare decisis” may be translated literally as “to stand by decided matters.” In the American legal system, stare decisis plays a significant role in promoting the evenhanded, predictable, and consistent development of legal principles.

What is stare decisis? How does it impact the concept of precedent? Roger Pilon of the Cato Institute explores the origins and purpose of stare decisis.

As always, the Federalist Society takes no particular legal or public policy positions. All opinions expressed are those of the speaker.

Learn more about Roger Pilon:
https://www.cato.org/people/roger-pilon

Follow Roger Pilon on Twitter: @Roger_Pilon
https://twitter.com/Roger_Pilon

 

Related Links & Differing Views:

The Federalist Society: “Liberty Month Revisited: The Separation of Powers, Stare Decisis, and the Constitution”
https://fedsoc.org/commentary/blog-posts/the-separation-of-powers-stare-decisis-and-the-constitution-1

The Federalist Society: “Liberty Month Revisited: Stare Decisis and the Separation of Powers”
https://fedsoc.org/commentary/blog-posts/stare-decisis-and-the-separation-of-powers

Constitution Society: “How stare decisis Subverts the Law”
http://www.constitution.org/col/0610staredrift.htm