What does the principle of stare decisis refer to?

The principle of stare decisis is a fundamental aspect of legal systems that emphasizes the necessity for courts to adhere to established precedents set by previous decisions in appeals. When a court is faced with a case that has similarities to a prior case, it is bound to follow the legal principles established in that earlier ruling. This promotes consistency and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and entities to have confidence in the legal system.

By fostering a stable legal environment where similar cases are decided in a consistent manner, stare decisis helps ensure that the law is applied equally to everyone. It reinforces the legitimacy of the judiciary and supports the rule of law, which is crucial for the functioning of a fair legal system.

In contrast, the other choices relate to different aspects of the legal process. The right to appeal is about seeking a higher court's review, jury selection concerns the process of choosing jurors for trials, and the rules governing civil procedure encompass the regulations that dictate how civil legal matters are handled in courts. These topics do not directly relate to the concept of stare decisis, which specifically addresses the adherence to precedent in judicial decision-making.