Which legal doctrine requires courts to follow precedents established in previous cases?

The doctrine that mandates courts to adhere to established precedents in previous cases is known as Stare Decisis. This legal principle ensures consistency and predictability in the law by obligating courts to follow the rulings made in earlier cases whenever the facts and legal issues are substantially similar. By applying Stare Decisis, the judicial system maintains stability, which allows individuals and entities to rely on legal decisions when making choices and planning future actions.

The other options do not serve the same purpose. Res Judicata refers to the doctrine that prevents parties from litigating the same issue more than once after a final judgment has been made. Legislative Intent relates to the purpose and objectives behind the enactment of legislation, guiding interpretation by the courts but not establishing a procedural rule like Stare Decisis. Legal Precedent is a broader term that refers to prior judicial decisions, but it is Stare Decisis that articulates the requirement for courts to follow those precedents. Thus, Stare Decisis is the foundational principle that enables the legal system to function effectively by ensuring that similar cases yield similar outcomes.