What is the principle of 'Stare Decisis' primarily about?

The principle of 'Stare Decisis' is fundamentally about abiding by prior decisions. This doctrine plays a crucial role in the common law system, wherein courts are expected to follow the legal precedents established by previous court rulings when deciding cases that share similar facts or legal issues. The primary objective of Stare Decisis is to promote consistency, stability, and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and entities to have a reliable understanding of legal guidelines based on established rulings.

Through the adherence to prior judgments, courts help ensure that similar cases are treated alike, which fosters public confidence in the legal system and helps to prevent arbitrary decision-making. By following precedent, judges contribute to the development of the law over time without the need to re-litigate settled legal principles for every new case. This doctrine also allows for incremental legal evolution rather than radical shifts, ensuring that changes in the law result from careful consideration and not from capricious alterations.

The other options touch on concepts that do not accurately reflect the essence of Stare Decisis. Creating new laws is more aligned with legislative functions rather than judicial interpretations. Encouraging flexibility in legal judgments goes against the predictable nature that Stare Decisis seeks to maintain. Combining common law with equity refers to