Supreme Court’s upcoming term: guns, abortion, and social media hurdles.
The Supreme Court’s New Term: A Look at the Cases Ahead
The Supreme Court is back in session, ready to tackle a range of consequential cases that could shape the future of gun rights, social media, and federal bureaucracy. As tradition dictates, the term begins on the first Monday in October, and this week the justices will kick off their nine-month term with the case Pulsifer v. United States.
The Pulsifer Case: Interpreting Federal Law
In Pulsifer v. United States, the crux of the issue revolves around the interpretation of a federal law that allows defendants to avoid mandatory minimum sentences for certain nonviolent drug crimes. Lower courts have disagreed on the meaning of the word “and” in a bipartisan 2018 criminal overhaul. The outcome of this case could have a significant impact on prison sentences, potentially affecting thousands of individuals each year.
Examining Agency Authority
On October 3, the Supreme Court will hear CFPB v. Com. Fin. Services Assn., which delves into the authority of U.S. agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The case focuses on the constitutionality of the Federal Reserve’s funding mechanism for the CFPB, raising questions about the extent of agency power and congressional appropriation.
Another notable case in the first week is Acheson Hotels, LLC v. Laufer, which centers on disability claims lawsuits and the obligation of a Maine-based hotel owner to disclose accessibility information on their website. This case highlights the issue of “ADA testers” and their impact on small businesses, with business groups urging the justices to address the rising trend of lawsuits against businesses accused of discriminating against disabled individuals.
Looking Ahead: Major Cases on the Docket
In addition to the cases mentioned above, the Supreme Court has already agreed to hear other significant cases. One such case involves a conservative Texas-based radio jockey seeking to limit the in-house enforcement proceedings of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The court will also address the issue of federal courts deferring to agencies’ interpretations of laws in the case Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court will take up a major gun dispute in U.S. v. Rahimi, examining whether the government can ban guns from individuals subjected to domestic violence restraining orders. This case follows a previous ruling that determined the constitutionality of gun regulations under the Second Amendment based on “history and tradition.”
More Cases on the Horizon
During their annual “long conference,” the justices granted 12 new cases, including two involving challenges to state laws restricting social media content moderation. The court may also revisit the issue of abortion access, this time concerning the FDA’s approval of a common abortion pill. Additionally, cases involving gay conversion therapy, rent stabilization laws, and death row sentences are expected to make their way to the Supreme Court.
As the Supreme Court term progresses, decisions on these cases could be reached as early as December or January. Stay tuned for updates on these pivotal legal battles.
How might the Supreme Court’s decision in Biden v. Knight First Amendment Inst. at Columbia Univ. impact the regulation of free speech on social media platforms by public officials
Of October is Carney v. Adams, which addresses the issue of judicial selection and the First Amendment. At stake is a Delaware constitutional provision that allocates certain judgeships to political parties based on their respective registration numbers. The petitioner argues that this provision violates his right to freedom of association and equal protection under the law.
Gun Rights and Second Amendment
As always, the Supreme Court’s docket includes cases related to gun rights and the Second Amendment. This term, the Court will hear New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen, concerning New York’s concealed-carry licensing scheme. This case presents the opportunity for the Court to clarify the scope of the Second Amendment and its application in the context of gun regulations.
Additionally, the Court will consider Caniglia v. Strom, which examines the scope of the Fourth Amendment’s “community caretaking” exception. The case involves a warrantless seizure of firearms from an individual’s home by law enforcement based on concerns for the person’s well-being. The Court’s ruling could impact the extent to which law enforcement can enter homes without a warrant in the name of public safety.
Online Speech and Social Media
In the digital age, issues surrounding online speech and social media have become increasingly significant. The Supreme Court will take up a case addressing these concerns in Biden v. Knight First Amendment Inst. at Columbia Univ. This case involves whether a public official’s social media account constitutes a public forum and whether blocking users from that account violates the First Amendment’s free speech protections.
Another case related to online speech is Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L., which examines whether a public school can discipline a student for off-campus speech made on social media platforms. The Court’s decision will likely impact the regulation of student speech and the boundaries of schools’ authority to punish students for their online behavior.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s new term promises to be a consequential one, with cases spanning a wide range of pressing legal issues. From interpreting federal law to examining agency authority, tackling gun rights and online speech, the Court will be shaping the future landscape of law in the United States. As these cases unfold, the Court’s decisions will undoubtedly impact the lives of countless individuals and help define the boundaries of our rights and freedoms. As citizens, we will be watching intently as the justices deliberate and render their verdicts.
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