Jimmy Williams
The U.S. Supreme Court’s new term is set to begin Monday, featuring a series of pivotal cases that could reshape significant aspects of American law, particularly regarding gun regulations, LGBTQ rights, and transgender healthcare. The justices return to the bench after a series of landmark decisions in recent years, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade and rulings on presidential immunity and federal agency powers.
This term, which runs until June 2025, may not be as explosive as previous years, but the cases before the justices have the potential to carry significant implications for civil liberties and regulatory authority.
Major Cases to Watch
Ghost Guns Regulation
On October 8, the Supreme Court will hear Garland v. VanDerStok, a challenge to the Biden administration’s regulations on so-called “ghost guns.” These untraceable firearms can be assembled from kits, and the Biden administration has sought to bring them under the control of federal firearm laws. The case doesn’t center on Second Amendment rights but on whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has the authority to regulate gun kits. “Ghost guns pose a unique threat to public safety,” President Joe Biden said earlier this year, “and we have to hold the people who create and sell them accountable.”
Tennessee’s Ban on Gender Care
Another highly anticipated case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, addresses Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming treatments for minors. The state law restricts access to puberty blockers and other medical treatments for transgender youth, sparking national debate. Chase Strangio, a lawyer with the ACLU, called the case “critical for access to healthcare for transgender individuals across the country.”
With over 20 states passing similar laws, this case could set a precedent on how transgender rights are treated nationwide. The Supreme Court’s decision could either cement these restrictions or provide a pathway for future legal challenges against such laws.
Gun Manufacturers’ Liability
In Smith & Wesson v. Mexico, the court will determine whether gun manufacturers can be held liable for weapons used by Mexican drug cartels. The Mexican government is suing U.S. gun makers, arguing that their firearms are frequently smuggled across the border and contribute to violence. Gun control advocates are watching the case closely, as it could set a precedent for holding manufacturers accountable.
Calls for Reform
Beyond the docket, the court faces ongoing scrutiny regarding ethics concerns. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have been criticized for accepting trips and gifts from wealthy benefactors without disclosing them. This term opens as President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris call for Supreme Court reforms, including term limits and enforceable ethics rules.
The justices are expected to deliberate on these cases and issue rulings that could shape the legal landscape for years. As lawyer Lisa Blatt put it, “something does feel broken,” highlighting how this term will test the court’s credibility amid growing calls for transparency.
