Which concept ensures lower court rulings are guided by higher court precedents?

• A. Stare decisis
• B. Writ of Certiorari
• C. Pro se
• D. Habeas corpus

Answer: (A)

Stare decisis is the principle that decisions of higher courts establish binding rules for lower courts. This creates consistency and predictability because when a higher court interprets a law or the Constitution, all lower courts must follow that interpretation in similar cases unless the higher court overrules it. For example, a Supreme Court ruling on unlawful searches binds state and federal trial and appellate courts in future cases with similar facts. Writ of certiorari is about having a higher court review a lower court’s decision, not about following precedents. Pro se means representing oneself, and habeas corpus is a remedy to challenge unlawful detention. So the concept that ensures lower court rulings align with higher court precedents is stare decisis.