In a new Supreme Court decision, Turner v. Rogers, there is the ruling that if the child support payer can prove that he/she cannot make the payment, they cannot be sent to jail. Turner v. Rogers. When the Supreme Court makes a ruling like this, what is the procedure for the ‘lowly’ district courts to adopt the new law. Is it automatic? Does it just take a motion from the Defendant that cites the new ruling for it to be effective?
The lower courts must follow the law/rulings of the higher courts. If you have a pending case that mirrors the new Supreme Court case, you must prove the facts at trial, and may present the court with a copy of the Opinion in support of your case.