legal doctrine

**legal doctrine**
A legal doctrine is a foundational principle or framework developed through judicial decisions and legal reasoning that guides the interpretation and application of laws. It serves as a precedent in courts, shaping how specific legal issues are understood and resolved. Common examples include doctrines like “stare decisis,” “res judicata,” and “actus reus.” Understanding legal doctrines is essential for legal professionals, scholars, and anyone interested in how laws evolve and influence judicial outcomes.