The principle of stare decisis is primarily associated with which legal concept?

The principle of stare decisis is fundamentally linked to the concept of legal precedent. Stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided," dictates that courts should follow the precedents established in previous cases when making their rulings. This legal doctrine ensures consistency and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and businesses to have a clearer understanding of their legal rights and obligations based on prior judicial decisions.

When courts adhere to stare decisis, they refer to previously decided cases that have similar facts or legal issues, thereby upholding the decisions made in those cases unless there is a compelling reason to overturn them. This practice fosters stability in the legal system and underscores the importance of past decisions in influencing future rulings.

In contrast, judicial interpretation focuses on the meaning and application of legal texts, statutory authority pertains to laws enacted by legislative bodies, and criminal verdicts deal specifically with the outcomes of criminal trials. While these concepts are relevant within the legal framework, they do not directly embody the idea of stare decisis and its role in guiding the application of legal precedent.