Stare decisis is the doctrine that courts should **adhere to precedent** to promote stability, fairness, and predictability. It is a **policy of judicial restraint**, not an inexorable command.
# Core commitments - **Like cases alike**: follow prior decisions unless there is a **special justification** to depart. - Factors commonly weighed in overruling: - **Quality of reasoning** and fit with text/structure - **Workability** of the rule - **Consistency** with related doctrine - **Reliance interests** - **Changed facts** or legal understanding
# Methods & tools - Careful **characterization** of the holding versus dicta. - **Analogical reasoning** to extend or distinguish cases.
# Strengths claimed - **Stability and fairness**: citizens can plan around the law. - **Institutional legitimacy**: constrains judicial swings.
# Common critiques - **Error entrenchment**: bad precedents can persist. - **Opaque application**: factor balancing can mask value choices.
# Close contrasts - Any theory (originalist, textualist, purposivist) may override precedent when factors strongly point to change.
# Notes - The Constitution Annotated lists commonly cited overruling factors.