AAERT Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) Practice Test

Which of the following influences future judicial decisions?

1. The current President

2. The media

3. Past decisions

4. Legislative actions

The correct answer is: Past decisions

Future judicial decisions are significantly influenced by past decisions, primarily through the doctrine of precedent, or stare decisis. This principle implies that courts are generally bound to follow the legal rulings established in previous cases, ensuring consistency and stability in the law. Judges look to past rulings when making decisions, as these decisions provide a framework of legal reasoning and established interpretations of law that inform current cases. This reliance on past judicial decisions helps maintain a level of predictability in legal outcomes, guiding not only the courts but also attorneys and the public in understanding how similar cases may be treated in the future. When a higher court issues a ruling, it often sets a binding precedent that lower courts must follow, further solidifying the influence of historical decisions on future legal interpretations and rulings.