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.