What legal principle ensures that parties to a contract adhere to its terms?

The principle that ensures parties to a contract adhere to its terms is known as "pacta sunt servanda," which translates from Latin to "agreements must be kept." This foundational concept of contract law underpins the enforceability of contracts, asserting that the commitments made in a contract are binding on the parties involved. It emphasizes the importance of honoring agreements to maintain trust and predictability in contractual relationships.

This principle serves as a cornerstone for legal obligations, emphasizing that contracts are not mere recommendations but legally binding commitments that must be upheld unless there is a legitimate legal reason to invalidate them. This ensures a stable framework within which parties can operate, knowing that their agreements will be honored legally.

The other options, while important legal concepts, do not address the enforcement of contract terms in the same way. "Res judicata" pertains to the finality of judicial decisions, preventing cases from being relitigated. "Stare decisis" relates to the doctrine of precedent, guiding courts to follow established legal decisions to ensure consistency. "In tempore non suspecto" refers to actions taken at a time deemed appropriate, rather than binding commitments like contracts.

Thus, the principle of "pacta sunt servanda" is the correct answer as it specifically mandates