What is the basic principle that mandates similar cases be decided similarly?

The principle that mandates similar cases be decided similarly is known as stare decisis. This legal doctrine ensures that courts follow the precedents set by previous decisions in order to maintain consistency and predictability in the law. When a court resolves a case, it looks to prior rulings from higher courts within the same jurisdiction, applying the same legal principles to ensure that similar cases are treated alike. This promotes fairness and stability in the judicial system, as it allows individuals and entities to have a clear understanding of the law and its application.

Judicial discretion refers to the authority of judges to make decisions based on their own judgment and interpretation of the law, which may lead to different outcomes in similar cases if applied without regard to precedent. Legal precedent is a related concept, referring to the past decisions that establish a rule or standard, but it is the practice of stare decisis that enforces the obligation to follow those precedents. Court hierarchy pertains to the structure of different levels of courts (e.g., trial courts, appellate courts) and how decisions can be appealed, but it doesn’t directly address the principle governing similar cases.