Which of the following statements describes the idea of precedents?

A) The common law changes very slowly to permit rational decision making in each branch of our government.
B) The Supreme Court is required to issue an opinion after a ruling.
C) Most citizens can know that the law will become consistent in its expectations for them.
D) Judges must abide by the decisions of earlier cases unless there is a clear reason to distinguish the current case from its predecessors.
E) The Supreme Court is able to promote judicial review through regularly scheduled reviews of case law.

Precedents refer to the idea that judges must follow the decisions of earlier cases unless there is a clear reason to distinguish the current case from its predecessors. This promotes consistency and predictability in the law, allowing citizens to know what to expect from the legal system. Option A is a description of the common law system in general, not specifically the idea of precedents. Option B is incorrect because the Supreme Court is not always required to issue an opinion, and this statement does not directly relate to precedents. Option C is related to the idea of consistency, but does not specifically mention the concept of precedents. Option E is incorrect because it focuses on the Supreme Court's ability to promote judicial review, rather than the role of precedents in the legal system.