Justice

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Case on Constitutionality of Same-Sex Marriage

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The recent decision by the Supreme Court to decline a request for reconsideration of its 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage has significant implications for the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. This decision stemmed from a case involving Kim Davis, a former county clerk in Kentucky, who had previously refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The refusal led to legal challenges that ultimately questioned the constitutional basis for same-sex marriage. Background of the Case The controversy began after the landmark Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established a … Read more

Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Intervention on SNAP Funding

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In a significant legal maneuver, the Trump administration has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and pause a ruling made by a federal judge in Rhode Island concerning the funding of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) for November. This request comes in light of a recent order from U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., which mandates that the government allocate $4 billion to ensure the full funding of SNAP. The Solicitor General, D. John Sauer, criticized the ruling as an unprecedented challenge to the separation of powers, arguing that the crisis resulting … Read more

Court to Consider Prison Inmate’s Religious Liberty Claims

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On Monday, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the case of Damon Landor, a Louisiana man whose religious beliefs led him to grow long dreadlocks. The case raises significant questions regarding the balance between institutional authority and individual rights, particularly in the context of religious expression within the prison system. Landor’s situation began in 2020 when prison officials forcibly shaved his head, disregarding a federal appeals court ruling that affirmed his right to maintain his dreadlocks. The Legal Framework: RLUIPA At the heart of this case is the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized … Read more

Court appears dubious of Trump’s tariffs

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On a recent Wednesday, the Supreme Court engaged in a lengthy examination of President Donald Trump’s authority concerning tariffs imposed through executive orders. The justices expressed skepticism about whether these tariffs were within the president’s legal powers, particularly in light of challenges from small businesses and states. This case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding executive power and its limits, especially in matters of international trade. The Legal Framework of Presidential Tariffs The core of the legal argument revolves around the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a federal statute enacted in 1977. Under this law, … Read more