Stare decisis
Definition
The common-law doctrine that courts are bound to follow the decisions of higher courts in the same judicial hierarchy. Provides consistency and predictability, and makes superior-court rulings on forensic methodology or admissibility binding on all lower courts in that system.
Related terms
- Binding precedent
- A decision of a superior court that a lower court in the same hierarchy must follow when deciding a case with materially...
- Delegated legislation
- Rules, regulations, notifications, and statutory instruments made by an executive body under authority granted by a parent statute. Forensic laboratory accreditation standards...
- Inquisitorial system
- A model of legal proceedings, common in civil-law countries such as France and Germany, in which the court takes an active role...
- Primary legislation
- Statutes enacted by the legislature: Acts of Parliament, Congressional Acts, or the codes enacted by a national assembly. Examples relevant to forensic...
- Professional code
- A set of conduct standards issued by a professional body, regulatory authority, or accreditation scheme. Examples include the Forensic Science Regulator's Codes...
Explained in
- Sources of Law for the Forensic ScientistThe common-law doctrine that courts are bound to follow the decisions of higher courts in the same judicial hierarchy. Provides consistency and predictability,...