lagfølger

Lagfølger refers to a sequence of legal decisions or judgments that build upon each other over time. This concept is central to the principle of stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided" in Latin. In legal systems that follow stare decisis, courts are bound by the rulings of higher courts in previous cases with similar facts and legal issues. These previous decisions are known as precedents.

When a court encounters a new case, it looks to see if similar cases have already been decided. If a relevant precedent exists, the court is obligated to follow the reasoning and outcome of that prior decision. This ensures consistency and predictability in the law. Over time, a series of related legal decisions can form a lagfølger, establishing a clear legal rule or doctrine. Judges in subsequent cases then refer to this lagfølger to guide their own decisions. This incremental development of law through precedent is a cornerstone of common law systems. The evolution of a lagfølger can lead to the refinement, expansion, or even reversal of legal principles over time, reflecting societal changes and evolving judicial understanding.