Courts may depart from established legal doctrines if there are compelling reasons such as changes in law or society, a shift in policy considerations, or if adherence to the doctrine results in unjust outcomes. This can occur particularly when higher courts provide new interpretations or when legislatures pass laws that modify or override precedent.
For example: If research shows that adhering to a certain product liability doctrine leads consistently to unfair outcomes for consumers, courts might be persuaded to adapt or overrule that doctrine for more equitable results.