Even though the government is shut down it seems like the United States Supreme Court is continuing its new term normally. They are beginning to reject and accept cases for revision.
Some of the big ones to look out for this year are:
Greece, NY:
A suburb of Rochester is asking the court to defend the practice of opening town council meetings with prayer despite complaints and accusations stating that it violates the First Amendment. This case will determine whether or not the Supreme Court will take a more hands on or hands off approach to religion in the public sector. The big question for our justices is: where is the line that establishes separation of church and state?
Mount Holly, NJ:
The city is defending a plan to demolish and recreate a rundown neighborhood even though citizens have claimed it is a discriminatory act because it disproportionately affects African-American and Latino residents. The question for our Supreme Court justices here are: Does this discriminate under the federal housing law? Should innocent citizens be displaced due to plans to beautify the city?
Michigan:
The state is advocating a constitutional amendment that bans the use of racial preferences in education. The federal appeals court ruled that this ban itself was discriminatory. Here our justices have to ask themselves what is really discriminatory and what will help minorities in the long run.
Massachusetts:
The state is defending a law that maintains a 35- foot buffer zone at abortion clinics in order to limit protestor interaction with patients. When looking at this case the Supreme Court needs to decide whether or not this is an impeachment of free speech.
It’s going to be a monumental year for our justices as they make decisions that shape the constructions of our nation.