Legal Definitions - stare decisis et non quieta movere

Definition:Stare decisiset non quieta movere is a Latin phrase that means "to stand by things decided, and not to disturb settled points." It refers to the doctrine of precedent, which requires courts to follow earlier judicial decisions when the same points arise again in litigation.

Example: Let's say a court has previously ruled that a particular law is unconstitutional. If a similar case comes before the court, it must follow the earlier decision and declare the law unconstitutional, unless there are urgent reasons and exceptional circumstances that justify a new ruling.

This principle is important because it promotes consistency and predictability in the legal system. It ensures that similar cases are treated in a similar manner, and that the law is applied fairly and impartially.