SCOTUStoday for Monday, December 22

Today marks a significant milestone for the SCOTUStoday newsletter, as it celebrates three months of providing insightful updates on the Supreme Court. We appreciate the continued support from our readers, which fuels our commitment to delivering timely and relevant content. As the holiday season approaches, we would like to remind our audience that there will be abridged editions of SCOTUStoday sent out on the upcoming days, with a brief pause over the holiday weekend. SCOTUS Quick Hits The Supreme Court has recently made headlines by rejecting a request from the Trump administration regarding a policy … Read more

Two Centuries of Declining Judicial Agreement

The evolution of judicial agreement within the Supreme Court of the United States reflects a significant historical shift over the past two centuries. Initially, the justices exhibited a remarkable level of consensus, particularly in landmark cases that shaped American constitutional law. However, as the political landscape has transformed, so too has the nature of judicial decision-making, leading to increased polarization among the justices. This trend raises critical questions about the implications for the rule of law and the functioning of American democracy. The Historical Context of Judicial Agreement From the establishment of the Supreme Court … Read more

Court seems likely to side with Trump on president’s power to fire FTC commissioner

The recent Supreme Court hearings have raised significant questions regarding the extent of presidential authority in relation to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The case, Trump v. Slaughter, has brought forth arguments that challenge a federal law restricting the president’s ability to dismiss FTC commissioners. As the justices deliberated, the implications of their decision could reshape the balance of power between the executive branch and independent regulatory agencies. Background of the Case During the oral arguments, a majority of the justices appeared to lean towards the view that the law, which limits the president’s ability … Read more

Supreme Court Defers Decision on Trump’s Authority to Fire Copyright Office Head

The Supreme Court recently took a significant step regarding the Trump administration’s authority to terminate federal officials. On Wednesday, the Court deferred a decision concerning the administration’s request to remove Shira Perlmutter, the head of the U.S. Copyright Office, from her position. This decision comes as Perlmutter challenges the administration’s efforts to dismiss her, highlighting the ongoing legal complexities surrounding executive power and federal appointments. Background of the Case The controversy surrounding Shira Perlmutter began shortly after the Copyright Office released a report on artificial intelligence, which reportedly contained recommendations that did not align with … Read more