The current Supreme Court term has concluded with the justices set to hand down decisions for the remaining cases, including over a dozen hot-button issues such as abortion, guns, homelessness, Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy plan, and the prosecution of former President Donald Trump. This term, which began in October 2023, follows two previous terms in which significant decisions were made regarding abortion rights and affirmative action. The Supreme Court has already decided one case involving Trump, ruling that he cannot be disqualified from the presidency under the 14th Amendment. Several other high-profile cases are still awaiting decisions, including those related to presidential immunity, abortion access, social media regulations, and federal agency power.
One significant case involves the issue of presidential immunity for Trump, where the court is considering whether a former president is entitled to immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts taken while in office. Another case involves access to the abortion pill mifepristone and whether the FDA acted lawfully in relaxing the rules for its use. Two cases from Idaho also involve abortion restrictions and federal law requirements for hospitals. Social media regulations and the First Amendment are being examined in several cases, including whether states can regulate social media content moderation policies. Another case focuses on federal agencies’ interpretation of laws and the power they hold.
The Supreme Court is also considering a case involving bump stocks and whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives can outlaw them. The prosecution of Jan. 6 defendants and the use of the obstruction charge is under scrutiny, as well as the funding mechanism for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The court is also clarifying the scope of the Second Amendment in a case involving alleged domestic abusers and gun restrictions. Racial gerrymandering in South Carolina and Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy plan are other significant cases awaiting decisions. The EPA’s rule for addressing harmful smog and anti-camping ordinances are also being reviewed.
These cases cover a wide range of issues, from presidential immunity to abortion access, social media regulations, and environmental protections. The decisions made by the Supreme Court will have a lasting impact on the legal landscape and may shape policies and laws across the country. The court’s rulings on these cases will be closely watched and will have implications for various aspects of society, including politics, law enforcement, healthcare, and the environment. Overall, the decisions made by the Supreme Court in this term are expected to be highly consequential and may shape the future of many important issues in the United States.
