WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court’s new term kicks off this Monday, and it’s shaping up to be a big one. Key topics on the agenda include climate change, religious rights, and immigration policies stemming from former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Here’s a look at the major cases that are set to be heard:
Climate Change Challenges
One of the first major cases involves climate change. The Supreme Court will hear appeals from energy companies like Suncor and ExxonMobil, who are trying to block multiple lawsuits aimed at holding them accountable for damages linked to climate change. Local officials in Boulder, Colorado, argue that these companies should share the financial burden of increasing climate-related disasters, which could total billions of dollars.
The energy companies argue that lawsuits are not the right way to tackle this global issue and have the support of the Trump administration, which believes these legal actions are an overreach designed to impose stricter emissions regulations.
Debate Over Assault Weapons
Another hot topic is the legality of assault weapons. Around a dozen states have implemented bans on semiautomatic rifles, like the AR-15, claiming these firearms are frequently used in mass shootings and contribute to gun violence. However, opponents of the bans argue that such laws violate the Second Amendment and that AR-15s are among the most popular firearms in America.
With the Supreme Court leaning conservative in recent years and having previously expanded gun rights, many anticipate the Court’s decision on this matter, which will be heard in December.
Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny
Two significant immigration cases will also come before the Supreme Court, both related to Trump’s immigration policies. The first case involves the deportation of migrants who cannot be swiftly returned to their home countries. The Trump administration has been sending thousands of migrants to nations where they have no connections, often under secret agreements.
The Court will review whether lower court rulings allowing migrants a chance to object to their deportations should be overturned.
The second case challenges the administration’s policy of mandatory detention for undocumented immigrants, even those who have lived in the U.S. for years. While the administration claims it can detain these individuals without a bond hearing, many appeals courts disagree.
Voting Laws on the Table
The Supreme Court will also address a Republican initiative in Arizona that enforces strict voting laws. This includes a requirement for proof of citizenship when registering to vote and regular purges of voter rolls to remove individuals whose citizenship cannot be confirmed. These measures come after Trump’s failed attempts to pass similar legislation in Congress. Arguments are set for December.
Religious Rights and Education
In another significant case, the Court will consider whether religious preschools in Colorado can participate in a taxpayer-funded preschool program. St. Mary Catholic Parish claims it has been excluded from the program due to its faith-based admission policies, which do not accept children from LGBTQ+ families. Colorado argues that while religious schools are welcome to join, they must adhere to nondiscrimination laws.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws.
