Passage: "The traditional view of legal precedent, or stare decisis, holds that courts should generally adhere to prior rulings to ensure stability and predictability. However, critical legal scholars argue that this adherence often masks underlying political and social biases, perpetuating injustices under the guise of neutrality. They contend that judges, far from being neutral arbiters, are influenced by their own perspectives and the dominant ideologies of their time. Therefore, what appears to be a consistent application of law is, in reality, a selective interpretation that favors certain outcomes. While proponents of stare decisis emphasize its role in maintaining a stable legal order, critics highlight its potential to entrench existing power structures and resist necessary social change." The author would most likely endorse which of the following statements regarding stare decisis?

1. AThe debate surrounding stare decisis reveals important tensions within legal theory.
2. BStare decisis is an essential principle for ensuring justice and fairness in the legal system.
3. CThe principle of stare decisis should be entirely abandoned in favor of judicial flexibility.
4. DStare decisis is primarily a tool to maintain political and social biases.