New Supreme Court Session Begins Monday
While we at POPVOX focus primarily on the legislative branch, next week is a big week for the judicial branch.
A new Supreme Court term starts on October 2; the Court always starts a new term on the first Monday in October. While in session, the Court will alternate between 2-week "sittings" and recesses, meeting from 10 AM - 3PM on Monday through Wednesday, with work and discussion days on Thursdays and Fridays. Decisions are announced in May, June, and sometimes into July. Source: SupremeCourt.gov
Do you think Congress should act to permit the video recording and broadcast of Supreme Court proceedings? Weigh in:
As always, highlighting a bill on POPVOX does not indicate endorsement.
Rachel Sachs at SCOTUS blog has a great round-up of articles that have been written about cases in the upcoming term, including:
- Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, in which the Court will consider whether the university’s use of race in undergraduate admissions violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
- Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum, in which the Court will examine the extraterritorial application of the Alien Tort Statute.
- Lozman v. Riviera Beach, in which the Court will consider the appropriate definition of “vessel” for purposes of triggering federal maritime jurisdiction
- United States v. Bormes, in which the Court will consider whether the United States is immune from damages actions brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Tomorrow, a tradition known as the "Red Mass" will be held at St. Matthew's Cathedral. As Will Storey of the New York Times explained in an article about last year's mass:
The Red Mass, a tradition that dates to Europe in the Middle Ages, usually coincides with the beginning of judicial calendars. It is designed as a blessing and a call for God to bestow wisdom upon judges and lawmakers for the coming year. It takes its name from red garments worn by attending clergymen, symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit. Similar ceremonies are held in Britain, France, Italy and across the United States.
For more trivia and explanations about the Supreme Court, see the official FAQ.
