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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.

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15y ago
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15y ago

The Supreme Court's decision becomes the rule of law, and the case may be remanded (returned) to the lower court for disposition.

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Q: What happens when the US Supreme Court overturns a decision made by a lower court?
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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.


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).


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.


What are the powers of the supreme court od India?

supreme court's decision is the fynal decision. supreme court can ineterpret the law. supreme court hav a right to punish the personif he/she breaks the law.


What happens if you're not satisfied with the decision of the US Supreme Court?

You could appeal to the Supreme Court for a rehearing within 30 days of the decision, if you have new information or evidence to support your case; otherwise, the decision of the Court is final. In any given case, one side is satisfied and the other is not.


How did the Supreme Court rule in the Miranda decision?

The supreme's court overturned Miranda conviction in a 5 to 4 decision.


To which amendment does this Supreme Court decision refer?

Since you didn't say WHICH Supreme Court decision, there is no way to answer the question.