JANUS V. AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, COUNTY, AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES: AN UNPRECEDENTED DEPARTURE FROM PRECEDENT

Abstract

The integrity and workability of the United States legal system rests on well-reasoned judgments that are consistent with past decisions, legal principles, and the United States Constitution. The doctrine of stare decisis is the foundation upon which the law is developed, used, and maintained. Without a strong foundation, the law crumbles apart, which is why stare decisis prevents the Court from overturning precedent unless there are strong justifications for doing so.