The doctrine of precedent, also known as stare decisis, is a legal principle that requires courts to follow the rulings of previous cases when making decisions in similar cases. This ensures consistency and predictability in the law, as lower courts are bound to adhere to the legal interpretations established by higher courts. When a court makes a ruling, that decision becomes a precedent for future cases. If a case involves similar facts or legal issues, judges will look to the earlier ruling to guide their decision. This practice helps maintain stability in the legal system and promotes fairness in judicial outcomes.