Passage: "The traditional view of legal precedent, or stare decisis, holds that courts should adhere to prior judicial decisions to ensure stability, predictability, and fairness in the law. This principle is foundational to common law systems, promoting the idea that like cases should be decided alike. However, the application of stare decisis is not absolute. Courts occasionally 'overrule' their own precedents, especially when a prior decision is deemed clearly erroneous, outdated by societal changes, or no longer serving justice. Such overruling is a delicate act, as it balances the need for legal evolution with the imperative of stability. The Supreme Court, for instance, has famously overruled significant precedents, sometimes in areas of constitutional law, demonstrating that even the highest courts acknowledge the dynamic nature of legal interpretation. This flexibility, while potentially creating temporary uncertainty, allows the law to adapt to new circumstances and evolving societal values, preventing it from becoming rigid and unresponsive." Which of the following statements about stare decisis would the author most likely endorse?

1. AWhile important for stability, stare decisis must allow for occasional re-evaluation and adaptation of legal principles.
2. BStare decisis is an immutable principle that ensures the absolute consistency of legal rulings over time.
3. COnly lower courts are bound by stare decisis, as higher courts have complete discretion to disregard past rulings.
4. DThe primary purpose of stare decisis is to prevent any changes or adaptations to existing legal frameworks.