Which of the following best describes the function of judges when using precedent?

Judges utilize precedent primarily to maintain consistency and stability in the law. When referring to previous rulings, judges aim to adhere to established legal principles and interpretations that have been tried and tested in court, thus providing a framework for their decisions. This reliance on previous rulings helps to ensure predictability in legal outcomes, which is an essential aspect of the rule of law.

Moreover, the doctrine of stare decisis, which means to stand by things decided, underlines this practice. Judges typically look to past decisions to guide them unless there is a compelling reason to depart from those precedents, such as shifts in societal values or advancements in legal thought. Therefore, judges do not have the discretion to arbitrarily follow past rulings or completely disregard them; they must balance adherence to precedent with the specific circumstances of the current case at hand. This is what makes the choice that highlights reliance on previous rulings the most accurate description of a judge's function in this context.