Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

What doctrine requires a court to give weight to established law, as applied in previous cases?

1. Stare decisis

2. Jurisprudence constant

3. Precedent

4. Legal doctrine

The correct answer is: Jurisprudence constant

The doctrine that requires a court to give weight to established law as applied in previous cases is known as "stare decisis." This principle is fundamental to the legal system as it promotes consistency and predictability in the law. By adhering to previous rulings, courts ensure that similar cases are treated alike, fostering fairness and stability in legal outcomes. Although jurisprudence constant refers to the principles arising from established legal precedents, it is not the term primarily associated with the obligation to follow previous case law. Precedent itself is a related concept that refers to the actual decisions made in prior cases that may influence current case law, but it does not encapsulate the broader doctrine or principle that mandates following these prior cases. Legal doctrine is a more general term that can apply to various legal principles or theories but does not specifically refer to the obligation of a court to follow established case law. Thus, the correct term that embodies this foundational legal principle is "stare decisis," emphasizing its critical role in maintaining judicial continuity and respect for established legal norms.