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Patterson v. McLean Credit Union
Citation: 485 U.S. 617Docket: No. 87-107
Court: Supreme Court of the United States; April 25, 1988; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court
The case is reinstated for reargument to consider whether the interpretation of 42 U.S.C. § 1981 established in Runyon v. McCrary (1976) should be reconsidered. The Court has not overruled Runyon but is evaluating the implications of the petitioner’s arguments for an expansion of liability under this statute. The dissenting opinions suggest this reargument is unprecedented, but the Court cites previous instances where it has revisited precedents, emphasizing the principle of stare decisis as a policy rather than a strict rule. The Court rejects the notion that civil rights cases should be treated differently under stare decisis, asserting that all litigants deserve equal treatment regardless of the perceived merits of their claims. The document reiterates the commitment to administer justice impartially, as mandated by Congress.