What is the primary purpose of legal precedents?

The primary purpose of legal precedents is to guide judges in making decisions on similar future cases. Precedents are established by previous court decisions and serve as authoritative examples for similar legal questions or issues that arise later. This principle is rooted in the doctrine of stare decisis, which means that courts should follow the rulings of prior cases to ensure consistency and predictability in the application of the law. By adhering to precedents, judges help maintain a stable legal framework, making it easier for individuals and entities to understand their rights and obligations under the law.

The other options do not accurately capture the fundamental role of legal precedents. Creating new laws is generally the function of legislative bodies rather than judicial decisions. Serving as a public record of disputes pertains more to the documentation of legal actions rather than the guiding principles of case law. Lastly, providing legal representation for defendants is a role that pertains to legal professionals such as attorneys and paralegals, rather than the function of legal precedents in judicial decision-making.