What is the term used for judges following an earlier ruling in a similar case?

Answer 1

The earlier case sets a precedent and often judges following the earlier ruling; however, there are cases where the judge will make a different ruling. Every case and judge is different and it just depends on that particular cases. However, if a judge is going against a previous ruling it would give the lawyers room to question the judge's ruling. The side that looses in this case would probably bring up the other case's ruling and use it to help their side.

Additional Information:

When a higher court, such as the US Supreme Court, makes a decision it sets a binding precedent for all the courts below it under the doctrine of stare decisis(Latin: let the decision stand). Lower courts are required to adhere to binding precedents although, as noted above, they don't always do so.

Following precedent is considered exercising judicial restraint, while certain instances of overturning precedents are considered judicial activism (sometimes called "legislating from the bench"), a practice generally frowned upon.

Answer 2

When judges use earlier court decisions as a guide for deciding newer cases, they are upholding precedent under the doctrine of stare decisis.