Which legal principle provides that similar cases should be decided consistently?

The principle that provides for consistent decision-making in similar cases is known as precedent. This legal concept is foundational in common law systems, where courts are obligated to follow the determinations made in previous cases that share similar factual circumstances or legal issues. This practice helps ensure stability, predictability, and fairness in the law by allowing individuals and entities to have confidence that they can expect similar outcomes based on established judicial decisions.

By adhering to precedent, courts not only respect the legal interpretations and rulings made by their predecessors but also contribute to the evolution of the law in a coherent manner. When a new case emerges, judges will look to past rulings to guide them, thus maintaining a consistent legal framework. This reliance on previous case law helps create a body of law that consistently applies the same legal principles to analogous situations, fostering trust in the judicial system.

Equity, substantiation, and negligence are unrelated concepts. Equity refers to a set of legal principles that aim to achieve fairness and justice, particularly in situations where strict application of the law might lead to unjust outcomes. Substantiation involves providing evidence or proof, which does not pertain directly to the consistency of legal decisions. Negligence is a category of tort law focusing on the failure to exercise reasonable