Ontario Security Guard License Practice Test

Which of the following related to the court system is true?

1. Ontario Court decisions supersede those of the Supreme Court of Canada

2. Municipalities have the authority to make laws contradicting provincial laws

3. Lower courts are bound by the decisions of higher courts

4. Provincial Appeals Courts are the highest courts in the land

The correct answer is: Lower courts are bound by the decisions of higher courts

The doctrine of "stare decisis" is a principle that indicates lower courts must follow the decisions of higher courts. This policy translates from Latin as “to stand by things decided.” In the context of the court hierarchy, decisions made by higher courts become binding precedents which lower courts are required to apply. This is the reason why option C, namely "Lower courts are bound by the decisions of higher courts" is the correct answer. This principle provides consistency and predictability in the law as similar cases will be decided in the same way. It contributes to the fairness and integrity of the legal system. This concept applies irrespective of the case or the jurisdiction, which includes Ontario.