The United States Supreme Court convened again on Monday (October 7) to prepare for hearings on cases involving ghost guns, the Richard Glossip death penalty case, and transgender rights.
Sitting in front of the grand marble columns of the courtroom, Chief Justice John Roberts announced the formal end of the previous term, during which a series of high-profile cases were heard, including an opinion granting broad presidential immunity to former President Donald Trump.
He then struck the gavel, announcing the start of the new term. Although the docket is not as packed, the conservative majority Supreme Court may still be called upon to intervene in election disputes following the November elections.
Next, the justices heard the first case involving unemployment claims filed by Alabama during the pandemic.
The Supreme Court began the new term after a relatively busy summer recess. Orders issued for emergency appeals included rejecting the reinstatement of President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness program and partially approving Arizona’s law requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
Here are some of the cases the Supreme Court is set to hear:
On Tuesday (October 8), the justices will hear a case regarding regulations on ghost guns. Ghost guns are privately made firearms that are difficult for law enforcement to trace due to the lack of serial numbers.
According to Department of Justice data, the number of firearms found at crime scenes has surged in recent years, from fewer than 4,000 in 2018 to nearly 20,000 retrieved by law enforcement in 2021.
Since the Biden administration began requiring background checks and age verification for purchasers of ghost gun kits available for online purchase, the number of firearms in several cities has been on the decline.
However, manufacturers and gun rights organizations argue that the government is overstepping its authority and that the regulation should be overturned.
Richard Glossip was sentenced to death in 1997 for a contract killing case, which has become a rare instance where prosecutors have admitted errors over time.
The Republican Attorney General of Oklahoma is seeking to overturn Glossip’s murder conviction and death sentence.
Despite these questions, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals upheld Glossip’s conviction, and the state’s Pardon and Parole Board is deadlocked in a vote on whether to grant him clemency.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on this case on Wednesday (October 9).
The most anticipated case before the Supreme Court this year is likely the dispute over transgender rights.
The Court will review a Tennessee law that prohibits the provision of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors under 18 seeking transgender care. Over twenty states have passed similar bans or restrictions since 2021.
Republican-led states have also enacted various restrictive measures involving school sports, restroom use, and drag performances.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has pledged to continue defending the law, stating that its purpose is to “protect children from irreversible gender treatments.” Skrmetti said in a statement on social media: “This case will require clarification on whether the Constitution includes special protections for gender identity.”
The justices will evaluate Tennessee’s law, with a hearing date yet to be determined but likely to take place in December.
(This article is based on reports from The Associated Press)