Baker v. Citizens & Southern National Bank

"The doctrine of stare decisis is usually interpreted to mean that the court should adhere to what it has previously decided and not disturb what is settled. It does not undercut the power of a court to overrule its previous decisions. On the contrary, it is a rule of policy tending to consistency and uniformity of decision and is not inflexible. The reason for the rule is more compelling in cases involving the interpretation of a statute. 'Once the court interprets the statute, "the interpretation . . . has become an integral part of the statute.” Gulf C. & S.F.R. Co. v. Moser, 275 U. S.…