What must a plaintiff establish to have standing to sue?

A plaintiff must establish a personal stake in the resolution of the controversy to demonstrate standing to sue. This requirement ensures that the party bringing the lawsuit has a genuine, direct interest in the outcome of the court's decision. The idea behind this principle is that only those who are affected by an issue should seek judicial intervention.

For standing, the plaintiff typically must show three main components: an injury in fact, a causal connection between the injury and the conduct complained of, and a likelihood that a favorable court decision will redress the injury. Establishing a personal stake confirms that the plaintiff is not a mere bystander but has suffered a tangible loss or harm that needs legal remedy.

Other options like having a strong legal precedent, proof of a past dispute, or a known public interest are not essential elements for establishing standing. These factors may influence the case, but they do not determine whether a plaintiff has the right to bring a lawsuit in the first place. Thus, having a personal stake is the foundational criterion for standing.