According to the Practice Statement (Judicial Precedent) [1966] 1 WLR 1234, the House of Lords (now the Supreme Court) is generally bound by its own previous decisions but may depart from them when it appears right to do so. This flexibility allows the court to adapt to changing social and legal norms.

Key Point: This question examines the flexibility of the Supreme Court in adhering to or departing from its precedents, illustrating the balance between legal stability and adaptability.