What is the judicial precedent?

Judicial precedent refers to legal principles established in previous court decisions that serve as a standard for judges in future cases. This principle hinges on the idea of stare decisis, which means "to stand by things decided." When a court makes a ruling, that decision can be cited as a precedent in subsequent cases, providing consistency and predictability in the law.

The correct choice highlights that judicial decisions retain their operative status and influence over time unless overturned by a higher court or legislative action. Precedents do not simply become invalid after a certain period; instead, they remain effective and serve as authoritative guidance until explicitly changed.

The other options fall short of correctly defining judicial precedent. Criminal law, as mentioned in the first choice, refers to laws governing crimes and punishments rather than the concept of legal authority derived from past judicial decisions. The notion that decisions can become inoperative after a specific time contradicts the fundamental principle of precedent lasting indefinitely unless superseded.