In a dispute between Digital Hardware Corporation and Software Engineering Associates, Inc, the court applies the doctrine of stare decisis. What is this doctrine? What does this doctrine have to do with the American le-gal system?

Answer 1

In a common law legal system, past judicial decisions are binding in current disputes with similar facts. This feature of the com-mon law, which is the basis of the American legal system, is unique be-cause, unlike the law in other legal systems, it is judge-made law. Within the common law system, when possible, judges attempt to be con-sistent and to base their decisions on the principles suggested by earlier cases. The body of principles and doctrines that form the common law emerged over time as judges applied the principles announced in earlier cases to subsequent legal controversies. The practice of deciding cases with reference to former decisions, or precedents-the cornerstone of the American legal system-is called the doctrine of stare decisis. Under this doctrine, judges are obligated to follow the precedents established within their jurisdictions. This helps courts to be more efficient, and makes the law more stable and predictable.