Possible Supreme Court decisions expected Thursday

The Supreme Court’s Pending Opinions: What to Expect

The Supreme Court is nearing the end of its term, with 18 cases still awaiting decisions. As the summer recess approaches, anticipation is building for the release of opinions this week on Thursday and Friday. While the Court typically wraps up all opinions by the end of June, recent terms have seen extensions into July. However, last year they managed to finish by June 30.

Key Cases Still Awaiting a Decision

1. Student loans: Biden v. Nebraska and Dept. of Education v. Myra Brown

Six Republican-led states have challenged President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program, arguing that he exceeded his legal authority. Additionally, two borrowers claim their procedural rights were violated by the administration’s failure to seek public input on the forgiveness plan. The Court’s conservative majority has expressed skepticism about the extent of the President’s authority and the standing of the plaintiffs.

2. Affirmative action: Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina

The Court is considering the constitutionality of affirmative action in college admissions. Two cases against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina question whether their affirmative action programs violate the guarantee of equal protection under the law. The Court’s majority has shown doubts about the continued practice of affirmative action.

3. Sunday shifts at USPS: Groff v. DeJoy

This case examines the extent to which employers must accommodate employees’ religious beliefs. A former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier argues that his employers failed to accommodate his religious observance of the Sabbath. The Court will determine the burden on businesses to accommodate religious views.

4. LGBT and religious rights: 303 Creative v. Elenis

A religious business owner in Colorado is challenging the state’s anti-discrimination law, claiming it infringes on her artistic freedom. She argues that her Christian faith prevents her from creating custom websites for same-sex marriages. The case raises questions about the balance between religious rights and anti-discrimination laws.

5. North Carolina GOP seeking limits on state court review: Moore v. Harper

North Carolina Republican lawmakers are contesting the state Supreme Court’s dismissal of a GOP-backed apportionment plan. The case centers around the court’s authority to review partisan redistricting. Legal experts are eager to see if the Court will provide guidance on the “independent state legislature theory,” which pertains to state legislatures’ role in federal elections.

As the Supreme Court prepares to issue its opinions, the nation awaits these crucial decisions that will shape the legal landscape.

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