Key takeaways: The Supreme Court’s decision in Moore v. United States could have far-reaching implications for any future attempts to impose a wealth tax on…
Posts tagged as “the Supreme Court”
The Supreme Court heard arguments on Monday in a case that could determine the fate of Purdue Pharma's bankruptcy plan, which includes a provision protecting the Sackler family from liability for the opioid epidemic. The Biden administration has objected to the plan, arguing that it gives the Sacklers too much protection, and justices expressed skepticism that a bankruptcy court had legal authority to release the Sacklers from potential legal claims. The Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching implications for the opioid epidemic and the Sackler family, as it will determine whether the Sacklers will be protected from future civil lawsuits.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, passed away at the age of 88 due to complications related to advanced dementia. Chief Justice John Roberts praised her as a “fiercely independent defender of the rule of law” and an advocate for civics education. O’Connor was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and was a strong supporter of civics education, founding the iCivics program and advocating for students to observe oral arguments.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Thursday to issue subpoenas to conservative activists Harlan Crow and Leonard Leo, as part of an investigation into ethics practices at the Supreme Court. Republican members of the committee walked out of the room during the vote, accusing Democrats of attempting to undermine the court. The investigation was launched after reports revealed the court had failed to properly disclose gifts and travel expenses from conservative groups. The committee is now requesting information from Crow and Leo, as part of a new ethics code that requires justices to disclose gifts and travel expenses and recuse themselves from cases in which they have a financial interest.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday in the case of SEC v. Jarkesy, which could have sweeping consequences for the power of federal agencies to enforce the law. The case centers around the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) ability to take enforcement actions outside of the court system. During the oral arguments, the justices questioned the government lawyer about stripping the SEC of some of its enforcement discretion. The outcome of the case could have a major impact on the power of federal agencies to enforce the law, and a ruling is expected in the coming months.
Judge Arthur Engoron has denied a motion for a mistrial in the $250 million civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump, calling the motion "utterly without merit" and Trump's rationale for halting the trial "disingenuous". The trial, which began on October 2nd, is expected to last another two months and is being heard in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York. Trump has denied the allegations and has sought to have the case dismissed.
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Florida's bid to enforce a law that would have prohibited children from attending drag shows, keeping in place a lower court ruling as a legal challenge continues. The law was challenged by a restaurant in Orlando known as Hamburger Mary's, arguing that it was unconstitutional and imposed unlawful restrictions on free speech. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch said they would have granted Florida's bid, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett said the court's decision does not speak to their views on the merits of the case.
The Supreme Court has released a code of conduct to guide the ethical behavior of its nine Justices after a year of revelations of unreported trips, gifts, and real estate deals. The code includes rules on gifts, travel, and other activities, as well as requiring justices to disclose any financial interests that could create a conflict of interest. The code is intended to ensure that justices adhere to ethical standards and that the public can have confidence in the court's decisions.