What does "doctrine" refer to in law?

In the legal context, "doctrine" refers to a rule or principle of law that has been established through judicial decisions or legislative enactments. It embodies the foundational concepts that guide judges in their rulings and provide a framework for interpreting legislation. Doctrines can have a significant impact on legal proceedings as they help to ensure consistency and predictability in how the law is applied.

For instance, doctrines like "stare decisis" dictate that courts should follow precedents established in previous cases, which supports the stability of the legal system. This makes option B the correct answer as it accurately describes the nature of doctrine in law. The other choices do not capture the comprehensive and established nature of legal doctrine in the way that a rule or principle does.