Final answer:
Citing recent court decisions is recommended because laws and societal standards evolve. Judicial interpretations can reflect these changes, even though precedents are valued due to the doctrine of stare decisis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Generally speaking, citing more recent court decisions to support one's position is often recommended because legal interpretations can change with time due to evolving societal standards and judicial perspectives. The legal doctrine of stare decisis emphasizes the importance of following precedents, yet the courts are not bound to uphold past interpretations if new justifications for change are presented.
For instance, the transition from Plessey v. Ferguson to Brown v. Board of Education illustrates how Supreme Court compositions and societal shifts can significantly alter legal doctrines. Nevertheless, justices may interpret precedents strategically to align rulings closer to their preferred outcomes, indicating some flexibility and subjectivity within the judicial process.