The U.S. Supreme Court is commencing its new term with a series of cases that will test the boundaries of American law under its conservative majority. With a 6-3 conservative majority on the bench, the court will likely make significant decisions that could push American law in a rightward direction. This term, the court is set to hear cases on various topics, including gun rights, the power of federal agencies, social media regulation, Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy settlement, the legality of electoral districts, and more.
Over the past two years, the conservative justices have already showcased their assertiveness in major rulings. They have ended the recognition of a constitutional right to abortion, expanded gun rights, limited federal agency powers, rejected affirmative action in college admissions, and broadened religious rights. This term, the justices may once again tackle the issue of abortion, as the Biden administration has asked them to review a lower court’s ruling that could restrict access to the abortion pill mifepristone.
Another highly anticipated case involves the Second Amendment and whether a federal law from 1994, which prohibits individuals under domestic violence restraining orders from owning firearms, violates the right to keep and bear arms protected by the U.S. Constitution. This case will likely have significant implications for gun rights in America.
The Supreme Court’s new term begins with an argument centering around a non-violent drug offender from Iowa who is seeking a lighter sentence. The inmate, Mark Pulsifer, argues that he is eligible for resentencing under a 2018 law signed by former President Donald Trump, known as the First Step Act. The court’s ruling on how to interpret the law’s eligibility criteria could impact thousands of other inmates in similar situations.
In addition, the court will also hear cases challenging the administrative state, referring to the federal bureaucracy that formulates rules and regulations affecting individuals and businesses. One such case questions the funding structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, while others challenge the in-house enforcement proceedings of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the ability of federal agencies to defend their actions against court challenges.
Furthermore, the court has agreed to decide the legality of state laws in Texas and Florida that aim to restrict the ability of social media companies to moderate content on their platforms. This case will have implications for the power of social media companies and their ability to regulate objectionable content.
As the Supreme Court’s new term begins, it is worth noting that some justices are under scrutiny for potential ethics violations. Reports have surfaced this year regarding their connections to wealthy conservative benefactors, including travels on private jets and yachts, as well as real estate deals. These revelations have renewed attention on the lack of a binding ethics code for the nation’s highest judicial body.
In a coinciding event, the U.S. Postal Service is set to unveil a postage stamp on Monday featuring the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who passed away in 2020. Justice Ginsburg was replaced by Amy Coney Barrett, appointed by former President Trump, resulting in the current conservative super majority on the court.
As the Supreme Court takes on these momentous cases in its new term, it will undoubtedly shape the direction of American law and influence the lives of millions across the nation.
