Supreme Court to Consider Gun Rights, Abortion, and Diversity Issues in 2023 Term

The Supreme Court, which leans conservative, has been reshaping its stance on gun rights, abortion, and diversity over the past two years. Now, in its upcoming term starting in October, it will face the consequences of those rulings.

One major case the Court will hear involves challenges to gun control laws, particularly those related to individuals facing domestic violence restraining orders. Another case addresses a state’s legislative districts and whether they are a form of racial gerrymandering. Additionally, the Court will consider a case that could impact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), an agency created to protect consumers from financial misconduct.

Another case of significance involves the requirement for fishermen to pay a daily fee to the government for placing monitors on their boats to prevent overfishing. This case has the potential to roll back longstanding legal principles that give deference to Executive Branch agencies.

Conservatives are hopeful for a significant ruling that shifts power from the presidency back to Congress, with a focus on limiting administrative overreach.

The Court’s term begins with a case related to the sentencing of drug crimes, where the interpretation of the word “and” is at stake. However, the case that many legal observers are eagerly anticipating is the CFPB funding case. The Court will decide whether the CFPB’s funding structure is constitutional or if it violates Congress’ power to appropriate funds.

In addition to these cases, the Court has agreed to hear 22 others in the next term, with the potential to add 50 more. These cases include an affirmative action case, an abortion-related case, and cases addressing free speech on social media platforms.

In the abortion case, the Court will determine the legality of the use of the abortion pill, mifepristone, through at-home use and mail delivery. They will also consider a case involving restrictions on counseling activities outside abortion clinics and the First Amendment rights of individuals on social media platforms.

The Court’s decisions in these cases will have significant implications for gun control, abortion rights, diversity, and free speech. Legal experts and advocacy groups are closely watching for the outcomes as they will shape future legal interpretations.

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