The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to announce several important rulings in the upcoming week, including cases involving former President Donald Trump’s immunity, obstruction charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, social media laws, and federal agency power.
Typically, the high court releases all decisions for a term by the end of June, and with only a few days left in the month, there are still 14 cases pending from the term that began in October 2023.
Federal Agency Power
One significant case the Supreme Court will rule on is the Chevron doctrine, a 40-year-old principle that determines how courts should defer to executive branch agencies when interpreting unclear laws passed by Congress. This ruling will have implications for agencies like the EPA and SEC, as well as other federal agencies.
In another case, two fishing companies are challenging the National Marine Fisheries Service’s requirement for them to pay for a monitoring program on herring boats, arguing that it constitutes burdensome regulation.
Trump Immunity Case
Former President Trump is facing a case where he claims immunity for his actions after the 2020 election. Special counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with conspiracy to subvert the election, and the case is now before the high court.
During arguments, the justices seemed hesitant to grant full immunity to presidents but acknowledged the need to consider some level of immunity to prevent future prosecutions of former presidents.
Social Media Contacts
The court will also decide whether federal officials can communicate with social media companies, following lawsuits alleging First Amendment violations. The lower courts have blocked government officials from contacting social media firms, pending the Supreme Court’s decision.
Other Cases
Additional cases before the Supreme Court include issues related to abortion in Idaho, laws regulating social media in Texas and Florida, and the obstruction statute linked to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach.
Joseph Fischer, one of the individuals charged, initiated a legal challenge against the statute that criminalizes corruptly obstructing, influencing, or impeding an official proceeding.
During a session in April, several justices expressed doubts about the application of the statute in Fischer’s case.
During a congressional hearing this month, Attorney General Merrick Garland indicated a willingness to dismiss cases against Jan. 6 defendants who were prosecuted under that specific statute.
“We will abide by the Supreme Court’s decision,” Garland stated. “Our actions will align with the court’s ruling.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
