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What is a synonym for the legal principle of stare decisis?

  1. The rule of legal precedent

  2. The principle of reasonable doubt

  3. The concept of double jeopardy

  4. The doctrine of necessity

The correct answer is: The rule of legal precedent

The legal principle of stare decisis refers to the doctrine that courts should follow precedents established in prior cases when making decisions in new cases. This principle promotes consistency, predictability, and stability in the law by ensuring that similar cases are treated similarly. A synonym for stare decisis is "the rule of legal precedent," which highlights the importance of adhering to established decisions to guide future rulings. The other options relate to different legal concepts. The principle of reasonable doubt pertains to the standard of proof required in criminal cases, double jeopardy involves the protection against being tried for the same offense more than once, and the doctrine of necessity is related to justifiable actions taken in emergencies. None of these capture the essence of stare decisis, making the first option the most accurate choice.