JD Next Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide.

The term used for the official decisions of courts that result in new interpretations of the law is "precedents." Precedents play a crucial role in the legal system as they establish legal principles and guidelines that must be followed in future cases with similar circumstances. When a court makes a ruling, that decision can serve as a standard for how similar cases are handled moving forward.

Precedents are especially significant in common law systems where previous decisions can influence or determine the outcome of new cases. The principle of stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided," underpins the concept of precedent, ensuring consistency and predictability in the law.

In contrast, regulations refer to rules made by executive authorities based on statutes, statutes are laws enacted by legislative bodies, and resolutions are formal expressions of a decision or opinion passed by a legislative body or other organization. While these terms are relevant in legal discussions, they do not specifically capture the role of court decisions in shaping and interpreting the law like precedents do.