Question

You are a legal researcher assigned to analyze the effect and application of judicial decisions in the Philippine legal system. Consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: A recent Supreme Court decision has established a new precedent regarding the liability of landlords for injuries caused by their tenants' pets. The decision holds that landlords can be held liable if they have knowledge of the tenant's pet and its dangerous propensities. Analyze the effect of this judicial decision on the lower courts and the application of the ruling to similar cases in the future.

Scenario 2: The Supreme Court has issued a landmark decision interpreting a provision of the Civil Code. The decision clarifies that the provision should be given a broad and expansive interpretation in favor of protecting consumers. Discuss how this judicial decision affects the interpretation and application of the provision by lower courts, and its impact on consumer protection laws in the Philippines.

1. Discuss the general principles governing the application and effect of judicial decisions in the Philippine legal system.
2. Explain the concept of judicial precedent and its role in the development of Philippine law.
3. Analyze the impact of the Supreme Court decision in Scenario 1 on the lower courts and the application of the ruling to future cases.
4. Discuss the significance of the Supreme Court decision in Scenario 2 in shaping the interpretation and application of the relevant provision of the Civil Code.