What concept confirms that past court decisions serve as a guide for future cases?

Stare Decisis is the legal principle that mandates courts to follow precedents established by previous court decisions when making rulings in cases with similar facts and legal issues. This concept promotes consistency and predictability in the law, ensuring that similar cases are treated alike unless there is a compelling reason to deviate from the established precedent. By adhering to stare decisis, the judiciary reinforces the rule of law and upholds the integrity of the legal system, allowing lawyers and parties to have clearer expectations about the outcomes of their legal matters.

In contrast, Res Judicata refers to the doctrine that prevents parties from re-litigating issues that have already been decided in a final judgment. Trespass to try title is a legal action specifically related to disputes over real property ownership, while Seisin pertains to the possession of land or property. These concepts serve different purposes within the legal framework and do not encapsulate the idea of using past court decisions as guidance for future cases, which is the essence of stare decisis.