Upcoming Supreme Court Decisions

The Supreme Court will be looking at several high profile cases in the coming months, which will have implications on laws throughout the country. These cases vary in scope, but all should be monitored in the coming months as decisions are reached.

Fisher v. University of Texas of Austin: A student suing the University claims she was unfairly denied acceptance because of her race. The case will reinterpret the Equal Protection clause of the 14th amendment, and could affect legislation dealing with Affirmative Action.

United States of America v. Windsor: This case challenges the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and alleges it to be unconstitutional. Massachusetts is one of many states arguing against DOMA, and oral arguments will be held late March 2013.

Shelby County v. Holder: The case revolves around the 2006 re-authorization of section V of the 1965 Voters Rights Act, which makes States “Pre-clear” any changes in their voting techniques with the Federal Government. The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments, and a decision should be made soon.

Clapper v. Amnesty International USA: In 2008, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was readjusted by Congress to allow for warrantless wiretapping of suspected terrorists. The only requirement was to prove they could possibly be a threat. An opinion was just released late February, and can be read on their website.

You can read about the progress of these & other high profile cases on the SCOTUS Blog, and can also find transcripts & audio of the cases by visiting the SCOTUS website.