What principle states that a court decision controls future, similar cases?

The principle that a court decision controls future, similar cases is called "stare decisis." This Latin term translates to "to stand by things decided," which underlines the importance of consistency and stability in the law. When courts follow stare decisis, they rely on previous rulings to guide their decisions in new, but similar cases, ensuring that the law is applied uniformly. This principle helps maintain legal predictability and allows individuals and entities to have a clearer understanding of the law and its application.

In this context, while "precedent" refers to the previous court decision itself that sets an example for future cases, it is the process of stare decisis that governs how courts use that precedent. Case law, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses all the law established by the outcomes of previous court decisions. The "doctrine of res judicata" pertains specifically to the finality of judicial decisions and prevents the same issue from being litigated again once it has been determined by a competent court. Thus, while all other options relate to important concepts in law, "stare decisis" specifically captures the principle that court decisions serve to guide future similar cases.