Navigating Legal Precedent: Stare Decisis and Evolution

This chapter explores the principle of stare decisis and its critical role in the legal system, balancing the need for stable laws with the flexibility to challenge outdated precedents. It examines how social changes and different judicial philosophies, such as originalism and pragmatism, impact legal interpretations and court decisions. The discussion further delves into the complexities of binding authority, the structure of the federal court system, and the nuances that define how precedents can be upheld or overturned.