What role does precedent play in legal cases?

Precedent plays a crucial role in the legal system by serving as a guideline for future rulings. When courts make decisions in legal cases, these rulings can set precedents that other courts are expected to follow when faced with similar circumstances. This principle, known as "stare decisis," ensures consistency and stability in the law, allowing individuals and organizations to have a clearer understanding of legal standards and expectations.

Using precedents helps maintain a coherent legal framework, as it builds on established interpretations and prevents arbitrary decision-making by judges. Creative interpretation or deviation from established precedents would lead to unpredictability in the law, making it difficult for people to navigate legal issues or for courts to achieve uniform outcomes in similar cases.

The other options lack the correct connection to the role of precedent in the legal system. While some are related to judicial functions or principles, none encapsulate the guiding function of precedent as effectively as the selected answer.