Stare decisis is a key idea in our legal system. It helps judges make decisions by keeping the law consistent and stable. Here’s how it works:

Predictability
Judges often look at past cases to help them make choices. When a rule has already been set in a previous case, it helps judges handle similar issues in the future. This predictability helps people trust the legal system.

Efficiency
Using established rules saves time and resources in court. Instead of having to start from scratch every time, judges can refer back to earlier decisions. This makes it quicker to resolve cases and helps reduce the number of cases waiting to be heard.

Limiting Judicial Discretion
Stare decisis also limits how much freedom judges have in making decisions. It helps make sure that judges don't make very different choices on similar cases. This encourages judges to follow existing rules and not let their personal opinions impact the law.

Development of Law
While stare decisis keeps the law steady, it also allows for changes. Courts can update, change, or even cancel old decisions if society's values change or if mistakes are found. This balance is important for a legal system that can adapt.

In short, stare decisis helps judges by creating a clear and predictable legal environment. It makes court processes more efficient, limits how much judges can stray from established rules, and allows the law to grow over time.