We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
People file into the United States Supreme Court before SCOTUS handing down opinions.
The US Supreme Court will issue the final decisions of its current term this week, and so far its rulings have been surprisingly moderate for a conservative-majority court.
On Tuesday, it rejected the so-called “independent state legislature theory," a fringe legal argument to give state legislatures broadly unchecked power over federal election rules. The same theory served as the basis of former President Donald Trump’s attempt to have states send “alternative” pro-Trump electors to the electoral college to overturn the 2020 election.
While the theory has been rejected by mainstream legal scholars, it seemed likely that the justices (three of whom were appointed by Trump) might rule in its favor. The decision, which runs contrary to the growing perception that the court is a political body, reinforces checks and balances and puts the kibosh on any repeat antics in 2024.
Other decisions: The justices ruled in favor of equal voting rights and tribal rights, and against stronger environmental protections this session. It also heard two cases over tech companies' liability for harmful content, deciding both in favor of Big Tech.
Looming decisions: Four consequential rulings are expected this week on student loan forgiveness, affirmative action in college admissions, religious workers' rights, and a case at the nexus of religion, free speech, and gay rights.