Richard is a state appeals court judge. In making judicial decisions, Richard issues rulings which are consistent with precedents established in similar cases within his jurisdiction. Richard is following the principle of:

a. laches.

b. constitutional constructionism.

c. stare decisis.

d. courts of equity.

c. stare decisis.

Explanation:

Stare decisis is legal law or principle where the judge makes use of the judgement of the previous similar case under the same jurisdiction. The precedent is the common rule or principle given or established in the previous case that is either binding for other court when dealing with similar cases. Stare decisis makes certain that similar cases and scenarios are proceeded in the similar ways.

Thus the answer is c. stare decisis.