Your Essential Guide to the Upcoming Supreme Court Term: Key Cases and Issues to Watch | CNN Politics

Just before the Supreme Court wrapped up its term in June, Chief Justice John Roberts spoke at a Washington event. He praised the importance of taking breaks. He explained that the summer recess was not just a time for vacation; it also allowed justices to step back from the tensions of the term.

In his words, “That break is critical to maintaining a level balance.” The nine justices are set to return now for a new term that promises even more high-stakes political drama. This past summer wasn’t quiet; the court dealt with urgent cases involving President Trump, often ending with sharp disagreements among justices.

This upcoming term will likely touch on deeply divisive issues, including politics surrounding Trump, culture wars over transgender rights, and challenges to the Voting Rights Act from 1965. As they start their new session, a significant rift has developed between some justices and lower court judges. A recent Gallup poll found stark differences in public opinion: 79% of Republicans approve of the Supreme Court, while only 14% of Democrats feel the same.

Legal experts are concerned about the ideological splits, with Irv Gornstein from Georgetown Law stating that this could lead to one of the most divisive terms yet if the 6-3 conservative majority continues. Amid this turmoil, the more liberal Justices, like Ketanji Brown Jackson, have not held back criticism. She has accused the majority of undermining lower courts and making decisions that disrupt lives.

This term kicks off with cases that could reshape significant laws. First up, the court will hear arguments about Trump’s authority to impose global tariffs, a contentious issue given the recent pushback from a federal appeals court that ruled he overstepped. In the coming months, they’ll also tackle cases about the president’s power in firing key figures at independent government agencies, like the Federal Reserve.

Justice Jackson and Justice Barrett have publicly clashed over past decisions. Last term, Barrett dismissed Jackson’s criticisms as personal attacks, while Jackson has continued to critique the court’s direction.

The justices are not just revisiting past cases; they’re diving into new controversies. One pressing issue is the legality of “conversion therapy” in Colorado, a practice many view as harmful. Polling shows that over 25 states have passed similar bans, signifying a cultural shift toward greater support for LGBTQ+ rights. Yet, the Supreme Court’s willingness to hear this case raises concerns.

Experts like Patrick Jaicomo note that the court might be engaging with culture wars more than necessary, which could lead to decisions that shake up longstanding precedents. They plan to examine a variety of issues affecting transgender rights, including whether states can stop transgender students from joining sports teams that match their gender identity.

As the session unfolds, it will also revisit the murky waters of gerrymandering and its impact on minority voters, especially in the wake of the Voting Rights Act. Sophia Lin Lakin from the ACLU emphasizes the stakes involved, warning that losing protections could undo decades of progress.

Even in this unpredictable atmosphere, the court will still juggle emergency cases, particularly those involving the Trump administration. The outcomes of these cases could have lasting implications, as seen in previous rulings where the majority favored Trump.

As Justice Kagan noted last summer, the court’s summer break seems less like a reprieve and more like a continuous struggle. The justices are preparing for a term that could define the future of American law on issues deeply resonant in the current landscape.

For more on recent Supreme Court rulings, visit CNN.

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