SCOTUS News for Friday, December 5

As part of our daily newsletter preparation, we review a wide range of legal developments. This week, one story stood out: the unexpected challenges faced by Kim Kardashian in her bar exam journey.

Weekly Overview

The December session of the Supreme Court is already at its midpoint. SCOTUSblog has detailed coverage of the following cases:

• Cox Communications, Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment: Case preview and argument analysis
• Urias-Orellana v. Bondi: Case preview and argument analysis
• First Choice Womens Resource Centers, Inc. v. Platkin: Case preview and argument analysis
• Olivier v. City of Brandon, Mississippi: Case preview and argument analysis

SCOTUS Quick Updates

The Supreme Court allowed Texas to implement its new congressional map for the 2026 elections, overturning a lower court decision that had paused the map due to racial gerrymandering concerns. Justice Elena Kagan issued a dissent, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson.

The Court may soon rule on former President Donald Trumps attempt to deploy the National Guard to Illinois. Today, the justices will hold a private conference to vote on petitions, with a potential announcement on the birthright citizenship cases expected this afternoon. The order list is scheduled for Monday at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is slated to deliver the keynote address at the National Council for the Social Studies conference in Washington, D.C. over the weekend. SCOTUSblog will also host a live blog on Monday for the oral argument in Trump v. Slaughter starting at 9:30 a.m. EST.

Featured Reads

A new 40-minute documentary, Supreme Advocacy, follows Roman Martinez, an emerging Supreme Court advocate, as he handles a disability discrimination case, offering insight into the legal process rather than focusing solely on personalities or issues.

The New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense over a press policy that restricts journalists from accessing information not pre-approved by Pentagon officials, citing violations of First and Fifth Amendment rights.

A coalition of states requested the Supreme Court review a case concerning the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions temporary storage license for nuclear waste, arguing the decision affects state input on storage locations.

Legal commentator Ilya Somin urged the Court to reconsider Canna Provisions, Inc. v. Bondi and overturn the 2005 decision in Gonzales v. Raich, which upheld Congress authority to regulate medical marijuana even when it never crossed state lines.

Ghislaine Maxwell filed notice of intent to pursue a habeas corpus petition, representing herself in a bid for early release following the Supreme Courts refusal to hear her appeal in October.

Justice Spotlight: Samuel Chase

Samuel Chase, associate justice from 1796 to 1811, remains notable as the only Supreme Court justice ever impeached. A Maryland legislator and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Chase opposed British colonial policies and participated in early revolutionary efforts.

Appointed by George Washington, Chases Supreme Court tenure included significant opinions like Ware v. Hylton and Calder v. Bull. His strong Federalist stance and enforcement of the Alien and Sedition Acts led to impeachment by the House in 1804. He was acquitted by the Senate and continued to serve until his death in 1811, leaving a complex legacy of judicial independence and controversy.

Notable Quotes

Which of the following is not like the others: (a) a monument, (b) an antiquity, or (c) 5,000 square miles of land beneath the ocean? If you answered (c), you are correct. Chief Justice John Roberts, on the denial of cert in Massachusetts Lobstermens Association v. Raimondo

Recent Rulings

The Court permitted Texas to proceed with its new congressional map despite claims of racial discrimination. The unsigned opinion pauses the lower court ruling that blocked the map.

Upcoming oral arguments include National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission on December 9, which challenges limits on coordinated political party expenditures.

Relist Watch

John Elwood reports 50 new relists with six major issues for consideration: birthright citizenship, Second Amendment rights for felons, parental rights, criminal venue and limitations, the Federal Arbitration Act, and the Rooker-Feldman doctrine.

Immigration Matters

Csar Cuauhtmoc Garca Hernndez analyzed Noem v. Al Otro Lado, highlighting potential unintended consequences if the government succeeds in barring asylum seekers who have not crossed the border, possibly encouraging unauthorized migration.

For comprehensive Supreme Court updates and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog.

Author: Sophia Brooks