Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a precedent?
What is a precedent?
What does stare decisis mean?
What does stare decisis mean?
A common law doctrine under which judges are obligated to follow the precedents established in prior decisions.
What are reporters in the context of law?
What are reporters in the context of law?
Publications in which court cases are published.
What does jurisdiction refer to?
What does jurisdiction refer to?
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What are the two aspects of stare decisis?
What are the two aspects of stare decisis?
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What is binding authority?
What is binding authority?
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What are persuasive authorities?
What are persuasive authorities?
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What is public policy in relation to law?
What is public policy in relation to law?
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What is legal reasoning?
What is legal reasoning?
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Study Notes
Key Terms and Definitions
- Precedent: A judicial decision that serves as an example or authority for future cases with similar legal issues or facts.
- Stare Decisis: A common law principle mandating that judges must adhere to established precedents when making rulings in similar cases.
- Reporters: Publications that document and provide access to court cases and decisions for public record.
- Jurisdiction: A defined geographic area where a court possesses the authority to enforce laws and administer justice.
Principles of Stare Decisis
- Courts should maintain the integrity of legal precedent and not overturn their own previous decisions without compelling justification.
- Lower courts are required to follow the rulings set forth by higher courts, ensuring a consistent application of the law.
Types of Legal Authority
- Binding Authority: Sources of law that courts are mandated to follow during case deliberations; includes statutes and higher court decisions.
- Persuasive Authorities: Legal precedents from other jurisdictions that courts may consider for guidance but aren't obligated to follow in their decisions.
Societal Context
- Public Policy: Laws and regulations that reflect widely accepted societal values; these policies often inform legal decisions and frameworks.
- Legal Reasoning: The method by which judges unify their decisions with established case law, ensuring continuity and predictability in legal interpretations.
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Description
Test your understanding of key legal terms and principles, including precedent, stare decisis, and types of legal authority. This quiz covers the fundamental concepts that shape judicial decisions and the application of law in various jurisdictions.
