Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization: Supreme Court's most significant cases 2022

2022-06-09 08:12:03 By : Ms. Rita Lee

The U.S. Supreme Court tends to issue its biggest decisions in June. With a conservative super majority of justices, the public is focused on what new precedents the court could set — or even overturn.

The big picture: The court has 30 opinions to issue before the end of its term. Here's a look at some of the court's most prominent cases yet to be decided.

This is the most prominent abortion case to head to the Supreme Court in years and could potentially lead to the end of Roe v. Wade and other precedents that protect abortion access.

Details: The court is considering the constitutionality of a 15-week abortion ban in Mississippi. The law has been blocked since 2018, when an appeals court ruled that it placed an undue burden on abortion access.

The intrigue: Politico in May published a story reporting that the court seemed prepared to overturn its precedents on abortion, publishing a leaked draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito that says that "Roe was egregiously wrong from the start."

The court will decide whether the Biden administration must continue to enforce the Trump-era "Migrant Protection Protocols," most commonly known as the "Remain-in-Mexico" policy, which requires asylum seekers to return to Mexico as they await their U.S. immigration proceedings.

The big picture: The Biden administration has attempted to end the policy, but several federal courts, including the Supreme Court, have ruled that the program must be restarted.

The intrigue: A decision in this case could affect a new president's ability to undo policies set by previous administrations, per the American Civil Liberties Union.

This is the first Second Amendment case to be heard by the Supreme Court in over a decade. The justices will decide whether to allow laws that regulate concealed carry licenses.

Details: They are taking a look at a specific New York law that requires those applying to get a license to carry a concealed weapon to show that they have "proper cause" to carry a weapon, which includes self-defense.

What this means: A decision in this case could set a precedent on states' ability to control access to firearms.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is leading 19 states seeking a Supreme Court review of the scope of EPA's authority over greenhouse gases, Axios' Ben Geman reports.

Details: A decision could curtail the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.

Catch up fast: A 2007 Supreme Court ruling gave the EPA the power to regulate heat-trapping emissions.

This case focuses on the issue of religious freedom. The Supreme Court will evaluate whether school-sponsored religious activity violates the Constitution's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from "establishing" a religion.

Details: The plaintiff in this case is high school football coach Joseph Kennedy, who would pray midfield after games. The school district then asked him to stop doing so because it violated the board's policy and the U.S. Constitution.

A decision from the court could "revise earlier understandings about when prayer is permitted in public schools, the rights of government employees and what counts as pressuring students to participate in religious activities," the New York Times writes.