Supreme Court’s New Term: Key Cases and Implications

The Supreme Court’s new term begins in October with seven cases over the first two weeks, addressing issues ranging from climate change liability to digital privacy. The oral argument calendar for October 5-14 includes cases such as Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) v. Commissioners of Boulder County, dealing with climate change-related lawsuits.

Suncor Energy (U.S.A.) v. Commissioners of Boulder County

This case involves Boulder County seeking damages from oil and gas companies for climate-related harms. The court will decide if federal law prevents these state-law claims due to the interstate and international nature of greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact: The decision could affect over two dozen similar lawsuits nationwide, as stated by Columbia Law School professor Michael Gerrard. If Boulder wins, many cases may proceed; if Suncor wins, cases could halt.

Johnson v. United States Congress

The case focuses on veterans’ benefits and federal court access. Floyd Johnson, a former Army veteran, challenges the reduction of his disability payments due to incarceration, questioning if district courts have jurisdiction over constitutional challenges concerning veterans’ benefits.

Impact: The ruling may determine where veterans can bring constitutional claims related to their benefits.

Anderson v. Intel Corp. Investment Policy Committee

This case examines what employer-sponsored retirement plan participants must demonstrate to make fiduciary-duty claims under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The decision could clarify standards for claims based on a fund’s underperformance.

Department of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guahan

Involving environmental reviews and federal permitting in Guam, this case will decide if the Air Force’s permit-renewal application can be challenged and whether an environmental impact statement was required before submission.

Impact: The ruling could clarify when federal agencies are subject to lawsuits over environmental permitting decisions.

Beaird v. United States

This involves whether courts should continue adhering to a precedent that gives substantial weight to commentary accompanying the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, potentially affecting sentence interpretations.

Genalo v. Black

The case addresses the constitutional limits of prolonged immigration detention, determining whether the absence of bond hearings during extended detentions violates due process.

Impact: This could clarify protections for noncitizens held for extended periods.

Salazar v. Paramount Global

Focused on the Video Privacy Protection Act’s applicability to modern platforms, this case will clarify how streaming services handle users’ viewing data.

Impact: The outcome could influence media companies’ data handling and privacy litigation involving digital services.