Login to Continue Learning
The court’s upcoming decisions may highlight tensions between the executive branch and the judicial system. According to a Marquette Law School Poll released in October, more than half of Americans believe the Supreme Court is avoiding making rulings against Trump that he might refuse to obey.
In addition to other culture war issues, such as bans on conversion therapy and transgender athletes playing girls’ sports, the court will also hear cases about redistricting and campaign spending restrictions. However, the main focus will be on Trump’s continued testing of the limits on his authority, beginning with his sweeping tariffs that have been a centerpiece of his economic policy.
In December, the Supreme Court will consider whether Trump can remove heads of independent agencies for any reason. In January, they will take up Trump’s effort to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board. Other priorities include an executive order restricting birthright citizenship.
Professor Samuel Bray at the University of Chicago Law School said that the big theme will be the showdown between the Supreme Court and the president or the absence thereof. Donald Verrilli, who served as solicitor general during the Obama administration, noted the court may want to uphold traditional checks and balances but needs a strong legal case before overturning major policies.
Related Post
Conservative justices are expected to side with Trump on issues of presidential control over independent agencies, at least for those other than the Federal Reserve. The Supreme Court could also overturn its 2001 decision limiting political parties’ spending in coordination with federal candidates.
In another key election-related case, non-Black voters are challenging two majority-Black districts in Louisiana’s congressional map. This case tests states’ balancing act between protecting minority voting power and avoiding discrimination against other voters. The court’s rehearing signals potential dismantling of protections under the Voting Rights Act for minorities to elect their candidates.
The Supreme Court will also hear a counselor’s challenge to Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, with the Justice Department backing her position during oral arguments. An even bigger issue is preventing transgender women and girls from competing in female school sports teams. The court is reviewing bans in Idaho and West Virginia, similar to those in more than half of states.
These cases highlight ongoing legal battles between Trump’s policies and established precedents, potentially reshaping various aspects of American society including voting rights, gender equality, and economic policy.
