The Supreme Court is entering its final arguments with a conservative majority on a number of politically charged disputes related to guns, elections, and transgender rights that will impact the upcoming presidential contest. Alongside cases involving former President Donald Trump’s immunity, abortion rights, and other complex issues, the court is also falling behind its past pace in issuing opinions this term. The court has handed down 11 opinions so far, most in relatively obscure cases, with a lower percentage of resolved cases compared to previous years.
The slow pace of the court has been a clear trend in recent years, with difficult and significant issues contributing to delays in releasing decisions. Additionally, the court’s deep divisions can lead to delays as justices write separate concurrences and dissents. This slower pace could impact significant cases this year, including Trump’s immunity from election subversion charges, which could play into his legal strategy of delaying trials until after the November election if the Supreme Court does not speed up its work.
Despite earlier indications during arguments, the court has not yet issued an opinion on South Carolina’s congressional map, a federal law regarding domestic violence restraining orders and gun possession, or other high-profile cases. The court’s move less quickly on emergency appeals, such as Idaho’s request to enforce a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, can divert attention from the regular docket. The overall pace of opinions has slowed in recent years, with speculation that a leak of a draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade last year contributed to a lack of trust among the justices.
The Supreme Court will also be hearing arguments on a federal law regarding hospital requirements for abortions in cases where the mother’s health is at risk and the use of a federal obstruction law related to the Capitol attack. The court has also dealt with divisive cases such as Texas’s immigration law and emergency cases that have drawn criticism in recent years. Despite concerns over the pace of opinions, the court has little incentive to worry about timing and often moves at its own pace, focusing on thorough and well-written opinions.
The slow pace of the Supreme Court in issuing opinions has become a trend in recent years, with delays caused by complex and significant issues, as well as internal divisions among the justices leading to separate concurrences and dissents. This slow pace could impact important cases this year, including former President Trump’s immunity from election subversion charges. The court has also faced challenges in resolving cases related to abortion rights, immigration, and other controversial issues, with emergency appeals diverting attention from the regular docket. Despite concerns over timing, the court has little incentive to speed up its process, focusing instead on thorough and well-crafted opinions.
