The 2026-2027 Supreme Court term features a variety of significant cases that address crucial issues such as environmental regulation, religious freedoms, gun rights, and parental authority. The outcomes of these cases could have far-reaching implications on policy and individual rights.
1. Climate Change Litigation:
The case Suncor Energy v. Commissioners of Boulder County questions whether state law can be used to hold oil companies accountable for contributions to climate change. Local governments argue that the companies' global activities cause environmental harm in Colorado. The companies claim only federal regulation can address this issue.
2. Religious Freedom:
In St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, the Supreme Court will examine Colorado’s universal preschool program, which requires participating schools to accept all children without religious consideration. The case questions whether the state’s selective exemptions for secular providers violate the Free Exercise Clause as it applies to religious institutions like Catholic preschools.
3. Parental Rights and Government Authority:
The case International Partners for Ethical Care v. Ferguson challenges Washington state laws allowing shelters to withhold information from parents about their runaway children seeking gender-affirming care. The initial question is whether parents have a right to challenge these laws.
4. Local Religious Gatherings:
Grand v. University Heights involves an Orthodox Jewish man facing city restrictions on home prayer gatherings. The Supreme Court will consider if a city’s zoning laws impede First Amendment rights and whether municipal threats suppress free exercise of religion.
5. Second Amendment Rights:
In combined cases Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, the Court will address bans on AR-15-style rifles. Legal arguments center around whether these bans violate the Second Amendment by excluding firearms that are commonly used for lawful purposes.
6. Property Rights:
The case Jouppi v. Alaska examines if the punishment for a defendant should consider the specifics of their actions regarding property forfeiture under the Eighth Amendment. The case questions how proportionality is assessed in relation to the defendant's conduct.
7. Eminent Domain and Compensation:
Hoffmann v. WBI Energy Transmission looks at whether landowners can recover attorney fees when their property is taken under eminent domain by a private company exercising federal power.
8. Election Law:
In the matter of Republican National Committee v. Mi Familia Vota, Arizona’s law requiring proof of citizenship to vote is being challenged. The Ninth Circuit blocked some of the law's provisions, raising questions over state vs. federal authority regarding electoral qualifications.
9. Antitrust and Legal Clarity:
In Apple v. Epic Games, the Court will determine whether a circuit's interpretation of what constitutes contempt of court in enforced compliance with an injunction can be based on subjective "spirit" rather than specific wording.
As the Supreme Court begins its new term, many of the cases on the docket will tackle fundamental questions of authority and the balance of power among federal, state, and individual rights. The decisions made could reshape policies across various contentious issues, from climate regulation to religious freedom and gun rights. The outcomes are awaited not only for their legal implications but also for their potential impact on everyday life in the United States.
https://www.city-journal.org/article/supreme-court-term-cases-arguments
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