What principle restricts the Supreme Court from overturning established cases easily?

Prepare for the Texas AandM University POLS206 American National Government Test. Engage with interactive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each loaded with detailed explanations. Excel in your exam!

The principle that restricts the Supreme Court from easily overturning established cases is known as stare decisis. This Latin term translates to "to stand by things decided." Essentially, it encourages the Court to adhere to its previous rulings and the legal precedents that have been established over time, promoting consistency and stability in the law.

By following stare decisis, the Supreme Court acknowledges the importance of maintaining a reliable legal framework, which allows individuals and institutions to have confidence in the rule of law and the careful consideration of legal principles. This principle helps ensure that similar cases are treated in a consistent manner, preventing the legal system from becoming overly unpredictable.

Judicial review refers to the power of the Court to invalidate laws and executive actions that are deemed unconstitutional, but it does not specifically address the adherence to precedent. Executive privilege involves the right of the president and other members of the executive branch to withhold information from Congress or the courts, which is unrelated to judicial decisions. Case law encompasses the body of law established by previous court decisions but does not specifically describe the principle that governs the Court's relationship with its earlier rulings.

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