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What happens when the US Supreme Court overturns a decision made by a lower court?
That depends on how much time has passed since the original precedent was set, and the consequences of the new ruling.
In a situation such as Brown v. Board of Education,(1954) overturning the "separate but equal" doctrine arising from Plessy v. Ferguson, (1896), nothing can be done to rectify or redress past injustices. However, new precedents may effect indirect changes to other aspects of life.
For example, the foundation for Brown v. Board of Education, (1954), was laid by other, smaller, cases undermining (Jim Crow) laws. Morgan v. Virginia, 328 US 373 (1946), desegregated interstate travel on buses, trains, etc. Although the decision in Morgan was not based directly on civil right concerns, but on state segregation statutes unfairly burdening federal interstate commerce, the result was still a step toward making fuller integration a reality.
In a different type of example regarding the Court's apparently conflicting decisions on the constitutionality of capital punishment, the consolidated cases of Furman v. Georgia, 408 US 238 (1972) resulted in a (temporary) moratorium on juries imposing the death penalty because the Court was concerned that the sentence was being applied arbitrarily. In the Court's opinion, this constituted, in some instances, a violation of the 8th Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. As a result of the decision in Furman, all inmates on death row had their sentences commuted to life.
A few years later, the decision in the consolidated cases of Gregg v. Georgia, 428 US 153 (1976), combined with changes to state sentencing laws, reaffirmed the Court's acceptance of capital punishment as constitutional under the 8th Amendment. While this allowed juries to resume imposing the death penalty where state and the law considered it appropriate, it did not convert the penalty reductions granted under Furman back into death sentences. So Furman retroactively changed the outcome for some prisoners, but Gregg did not.
The Supreme Court and the lower courts realize that precedent needs to be respected and considered very carefully in new decisions in order to prevent social and institutional chaos. This is one of the primary reasons the legal system relies on the doctrine of Stare decisis (Latin: Stare decisis et non quieta movere), meaning "let stand what has been decided." This principle compels lower courts to base decisions on precedents set by higher courts, with final judicial interpretation resting in the hands of the Supreme Court.
In addition to overruling its own decisions, the Supreme Court is also vulnerable to having precedents altered by Congress. While subsequent legislation in reaction to Supreme Court decisions can change future rulings so that there may be a conflict between older and newer decisions, the U.S. Constitution expressly prohibits ex post facto laws (laws applied retroactively), so new legislation wouldn't change the verdict in cases decided before the law was enacted.
What else can I help you with?
Is a Supreme Court decision permanent?
In most cases a Supreme Court decision is permanent. The current Supreme Court can change the decision of a previous Supreme Court.
What happens when the US Supreme Court agrees with the lower court ruling?
If the US Supreme Court agrees with the lower court ruling, the decision is "affirmed," and becomes legally final (res judicata).
The Supreme Court must have a to render a decision in a case?
The Supreme Court must have a simple majority to render a decision in a case.
Can a us president overturn a supreme court amendment?
A U. S. president cannot reverse a U. S. Supreme Court decision or the decision of the Supreme Court of any state or territory.
Which pair of Supreme Court cases demonstrates that the Supreme Court can change an earlier decision?
genitals
How can a Supreme Court decision be reversed?
A Supreme Court decision can be reversed through a process called "overruling," where the Court issues a new decision that contradicts or overturns the previous decision. This can happen if the Court's composition changes, new legal arguments are presented, or societal values shift.
How can a Supreme Court decision be changed and what are the possible avenues for overturning or modifying a ruling made by the highest court in the land?
A Supreme Court decision can be changed through a process called judicial review. This can happen through a subsequent Supreme Court decision that overturns or modifies the original ruling. Another way is through a constitutional amendment passed by Congress and ratified by the states, which can effectively nullify a Supreme Court decision. Additionally, Congress can pass legislation that clarifies or modifies the impact of a Supreme Court decision.
What happens when there is a tied decision by the us supreme court?
the lower court's decision stands unless there is a majority of the Supreme Court in favor of overturning it.
What happens if the lower court decision is reversed and remanded?
The case is re-tried, or perhaps (at the option of the prosecution) the charges may be dropped or reduced.
Is a Supreme Court decision permanent?
In most cases a Supreme Court decision is permanent. The current Supreme Court can change the decision of a previous Supreme Court.
What factors can overturn a Supreme Court decision?
A Supreme Court decision can be overturned by a constitutional amendment, a new Supreme Court decision, or a change in the composition of the Court.
Can the Chief Justice of the United States overturn a Supreme Court decision?
Not by himself. The Chief Justice has different responsibilities from the Associate Justices, but has no more voting power than they do. In order to reach a decision on any case, including one that overturns a previous US Supreme Court ruling, a simple majority of the Justices must agree on a verdict.
When an appellate Judge overturns a lower Judge's ruling can the lower Judge once again overturn the decision?
The lower court cannot overturn the higher court's decision.
What happens when the US Supreme Court agrees with the lower court ruling?
If the US Supreme Court agrees with the lower court ruling, the decision is "affirmed," and becomes legally final (res judicata).
Can you appeal a Supreme Court decision?
Yes, you can appeal a Supreme Court decision to a higher court, such as the United States Court of Appeals.
What happens when president goes against supreme court decision?
He can't. They have the final say in an issue.
The official decision of the Supreme Court is known as what?
The official decision of the Supreme Court is known as an opinion. Rulings by the US Supreme Court cannot be appealed by a higher court.
