U.S. Supreme Court starts new term by opening to public

The Supreme Court began its new term Monday by listening to nearly two hours of oral arguments on a case pitting property rights against environmental protections—specifically, would-be Idaho home builders Chantell and Michael Sackett vs. the Clean Water Act. It’s the court’s first appearance since knocking down Roe v. Wade, and its first time allowing the public into the courtroom since March 2020. The court also has a new member, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first black female justice.

What other cases will they be hearing? The court plans to hear cases concerning affirmative action, copyright violations, and voting rights, and will add more cases to its docket in the coming months. One case the court will hear is that of Lorie Smith, who offers wedding website services in Colorado. She says her Christian beliefs prevent her from serving same-sex couples.

Dig deeper: Read Steve West’s report in WORLD magazine about how schools and parents are locked in a legal battle over who has final authority over children.