Unit 2.9 Legitimacy of the judicial branch

Binding Precedent

A decision of a higher court that must be followed by lower courts in the same hierarchy.

Persuasive precedent

precedent which a judge is not obliged to follow, but is of importance in reaching a judgment

Precedent

an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

John Roberts

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Stare decisis

A Latin phrase meaning "let the decision stand." Most cases reaching appellate courts are settled on this principle.