WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Supreme Court heard their first set of oral arguments in the new term. The Court is set to make decisions on some high profile cases, like if states can prevent people younger than 18 from getting certain gender-affirming medical treatments; If states can require age verifications for porn websites; And if the government can regulate homemade so-called “ghost guns” the same way as other firearms.
Within the past couple of years, the Court has weighed in on some of the biggest decisions in recent times like abortion rights and presidential immunity. While the cases are certainly the main focus of the Court, the national spotlight has also been put on the Court for ongoing ethics issues. Public trust in the highest court is at an all time low and some Justices have been criticized for gifts they’ve received and reports of the types of flags flown outside of one of their homes, sparking a political firestorm. Congressional members have spoke out if the Court needs more oversight.
“The Supreme Court’s authority, Madame President, ultimately rests on its reputation and public confidence,” said Sen. Dick Durbin (D- IL) during a Senate floor session. “It depends on people trusting the Justices’ to make honest very professional decisions.”
“It is up to the legal profession to police itself and in the end this means the courts and the Supreme Court must police its officers,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell (R- KY) during a floor session in July 2023.
Less than a month away from the November elections, the Court could weigh into a potential election dispute. It wouldn’t be the first time. In 2000, the Court made the consequential decision in the Bush v. Gore case. It was one of the most significant election-related cases the Court has decided on. In 2020, the Court declined to hear a handful of challenges by former President Donald Trump on alleged voter fraud and challenging the results in states President Joe Biden won.
