What legal principle requires lower courts to follow the rulings of higher courts?

The principle that requires lower courts to adhere to the rulings of higher courts is known as stare decisis. This legal doctrine ensures consistency and predictability in the law by mandating that courts follow precedents set by higher courts in the same jurisdiction. When a higher court makes a ruling, lower courts are obligated to apply that ruling in similar cases, promoting uniformity and stability in the legal system.

Stare decisis reinforces the rule of law by ensuring that similar cases are treated similarly, which is essential for fairness and justice in judicial proceedings. This principle also fosters trust in the legal system, as individuals and entities can rely on established precedents when making decisions.

The other options, while significant legal concepts, do not pertain to the requirement for lower courts to follow higher court rulings. For instance, corpus delicti relates to the necessity of proving that a crime has occurred before an individual can be convicted. Habeas corpus is a legal action that allows individuals to challenge unlawful detention. The term ex post facto refers to laws that retroactively change the legal consequences of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law, which is generally prohibited.