The U.S. Supreme Court delivered several historic rulings and faced intense scrutiny over ethical controversies throughout 2024, making it a momentous year with lasting effects on legal standards and public perceptions. Among the pivotal actions were decisions challenging federal regulatory authority, controversies surrounding Justice Samuel Alito, and the first constitutional test for transgender rights.
This year saw big wins for those opposing federal oversight. A significant 6-3 ruling effectively overturned the Chevron doctrine, which, for decades, established the principle of judicial deference to federal agencies' interpretations of ambiguous laws. Critics argue this decision, achieved by the court's conservative majority, will undermine the government's ability to implement health and environmental regulations protecting public welfare.
Alongside this legal shift, 2024 was marked by high-profile court cases surrounding social issues, particularly reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights. The court briefly made headlines when it inadvertently posted and then removed its decision on maintaining emergency abortion access in Idaho, known as Moyle v. United States. This incident revealed the intense scrutiny surrounding the court's authority on reproductive matters following the seismic 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson remarked on the development, stating it is merely delaying the inevitable return of such disputes to the court.
Justice Alito became the center of the spotlight not just for his rulings but also for alleged ethical violations this year. Senate Democrats called for his recusal from cases connected to Donald Trump and the events of January 6 after flags associated with the rioters were reported at his homes. Alito defended himself, attributing the display of flags to his wife and affirming her right as a private citizen to express her views.
Interestingly, the media's focus on the court seemed to shine brightest on Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. The first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court embarked on an extensive book tour for her memoir, "Lovely One," selling out shows at venues like the Apollo Theater. Her elevated public profile has led to approaches by the entertainment industry, such as her brief appearance on Broadway.
Justice Neil Gorsuch also participated on the literary front, releasing his book "Over Ruled," which highlights the consequences of overregulation. His advance of $500,000 was notable, alongside Jackson's astounding $893,750, demonstrating the lucrative opportunities for justices post-tenure. These book deals have raised ethical questions over how justices balance personal advancement with their roles on the bench.
The year 2024 also ushered significant moments for transgender rights when ACLU attorney Chase Strangio became the first openly transgender attorney to argue before the Supreme Court. Representing minors affected by Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care, Strangio's case is expected to pave the way for more discussions focused on LGBTQ+ rights and the legal system.
Reflecting on the upcoming year, the court is gearing up for more transgender rights challenges, particularly the upcoming decisions surrounding the constitutionality of state bans on gender-affirming care. The Indiana ACLU filed motions for the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals to reevaluate their prior decision on Indiana’s broader ban, particularly focusing on potential impacts to equal protection and due process rights.
The upcoming months promise more legal controversies and pivotal discussions surrounding the First Amendment rights of foreign-controlled platforms like TikTok. The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, intended to ban TikTok, is currently paused as the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments. Advocates claim the ban violates free speech protections, asserting it singles out TikTok and impedes the platform's significant role as a communication venue.
Defending the law, the Biden administration argues it is necessary to mitigate national security threats without infringing on free speech rights. The narratives are bound to intensify as both sides prepare for significant hearings scheduled for early January 2024.
These developments solidify 2024 as not just about rulings but also about reimagining the role of the Supreme Court amid shifting social paradigms and its obligations to uphold individual rights. Each ruling, each controversy, and every public discourse strengthens the case for reexamining established legal principles, potentially reshaping the future legal framework of the United States.
With these legal battles defining the current climate, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will evolve under the pressures of public scrutiny and the pursuit of justice against the backdrop of political discord.
