Judicial decisions influence future cases from "summary" of The Common Law Tradition by Karl N. Llewellyn
In the common law system, judicial decisions play a crucial role in shaping the development of legal principles over time. When judges issue rulings in specific cases, they are not just deciding the outcome for those individual parties; they are also establishing precedent that can have a significant impact on future cases. This concept, known as stare decisis, is central to the common law tradition. The principle of stare decisis means that courts are generally bound by precedent set in earlier cases. This doctrine helps to ensure consistency and predictability in the legal system, as it requires judges to follow established rulings unless there is a compelling reason to deviate from them. As a result, each new decision builds upon the foundation of existing case law, creating a body of legal principles that continues to evolve over time. When judges issue decisions, they are not...
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