The Supreme Court is set to reconvene with cases on ghost guns, a death sentence, and transgender rights on the docket for the new term ahead. While this term may not have as many high-profile cases as the previous one, which included a ruling granting broad immunity to former President Donald Trump, there are still significant and impactful cases to be heard.
Amidst the backdrop of low public trust in the Supreme Court, the conservative-majority bench may yet find itself entangled in election disputes post-November. Over the summer break, the justices remained active by issuing orders on emergency appeals, such as denying a restoration of President Joe Biden’s student loan plan and partially approving an Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship to vote. There is also an ongoing discussion regarding the enforcement mechanism of the newly adopted code of ethics by the court.
One of the cases to be heard involves regulations on ghost guns, untraceable firearms that have become increasingly prevalent in crimes due to their lack of serial numbers. The Biden administration has implemented measures such as background checks and age verification for ghost gun kits bought online, leading to a decline in the number of these weapons found at crime scenes. However, manufacturers and gun rights groups argue that the administration has overreached, calling for the rule to be overturned.
There is also a case involving a death sentence in which prosecutors have acknowledged errors in the conviction of Richard Glossip for a murder-for-hire scheme in 1997. Despite doubts raised, an Oklahoma appeals court upheld Glossip’s conviction, and his plea for clemency was deadlocked by the state’s pardon and parole board. The Supreme Court will hear arguments in this case on Wednesday.
In a highly anticipated case on transgender rights, the Supreme Court will consider state bans on gender-affirming care amid a wave of restrictions enacted by Republican-led states. The case will also tackle issues such as school sports participation, bathroom usage, and hormone therapy for transgender minors. This case is likely to be argued in December and has significant implications for the ongoing debate on transgender rights.
As the Supreme Court prepares to tackle these pivotal cases, all eyes are on the justices and the outcomes of these decisions that will have far-reaching consequences across the country.