American jurist, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court since 2010
The Supreme Court, in an unsigned 6-3 decision, has upheld Pedro Hernandez’s murder conviction for Etan Patz, reversing a lower court that had granted him a new trial. The ruling clarifies the limits of federal review over state court decisions and preserves a decades-long effort by Manhattan prosecutors. Patz disappeared in 1979, becoming a national symbol in the search for missing children.
The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that prosecuting a marijuana user for illegal gun possession violates the Second Amendment. The decision narrows, but does not erase, the government’s power to restrict firearms for drug users, and cites a trend toward more permissive cannabis policy. The ruling centers on Ali Danial Hemani, a Texas resident charged in 2023 after FBI agents found drugs in his home.
The US Supreme Court has rejected President Trump’s executive order that would have denied automatic citizenship to nearly all children born on US soil. In a 6-3 ruling written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court has affirmed that the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to those born in the United States, while three justices dissented.
The Supreme Court has ruled that Helms-Burton does not shield Cuban state agencies from certain lawsuits, allowing Americans to sue entities profiting from confiscated Cuban assets. ExxonMobil is seeking compensation for properties confiscated after the Cuban revolution. The decision could impact U.S.-Cuba relations as the Trump administration applies pressure on Havana.
The Supreme Court has ruled that American courts are not the proper venue for Falun Gong plaintiffs' lawsuits regarding Cisco’s alleged China-linked activities, under ATS and TVPA. The decision narrows the reach of U.S. courts over foreign-government conduct and could shield companies from certain international-law claims.
A series of 6-3 rulings across several federal circuits has reinforced broad presidential authority in immigration and asylum matters. The courts have allowed mass detention and swift enforcement actions under executive orders, while some panels require bond hearings for detainees. The fabric of due process and administrative power is being tested as the administration pushes sweeping policy changes.
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that Hawaii’s private-property gun-in-venue permit requirement imposes a new burden on the Second Amendment. Private property owners may still prohibit guns, but the court has shifted the default away from a blanket access rule. The decision aligns with Bruen-era tests and signals ongoing shifts in how states regulate guns in public.
The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, affecting about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, with broader implications for about 1.3 million TPS holders from 17 countries. The ruling signals potential deportations and reshapes humanitarian protections in the United States.
The Supreme Court has allowed the administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, affecting about 1.3 million people from 17 countries. The decision, written by Justice Alito, sides with the administration’s authority over TPS but drew sharp dissent from Justice Kagan, who highlighted racist remarks by Trump related to Haitian migrants.
The Supreme Court has upheld Mississippi’s policy allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five days, a decision that maintains state flexibility and could affect upcoming midterms. Justice Barrett writes for the majority, while Justice Alito dissents.
The Supreme Court has ruled that geofence warrants—used to identify suspects by collecting location data from people in a crime scene area—are subject to Fourth Amendment protections. The justices have affirmed that location data collected by third parties still warrants a warrant, focusing on privacy expectations in the digital age. The decision sends the case back to lower courts for further analysis.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the president can remove leaders of most independent federal agencies, overturning the 1935 Humphrey’s Executor precedent, while carving out an exception for the Federal Reserve. The decisions leave Lisa Cook in place for now but open the door for presidents to exert new control over agencies such as the FTC, shifting regulatory power toward the White House.
The US Supreme Court has upheld Idaho and West Virginia laws that bar transgender girls from girls' sports, ruling those bans survive Title IX and equal-protection challenges. The decision preserves similar statutes in roughly two dozen states, hands conservative groups a legal lever, and shifts the next fights to state courts, school boards and athletic bodies.
The Supreme Court has ruled that children born on US soil to parents unlawfully or temporarily present are citizens at birth under the 14th Amendment, maintaining birthright citizenship. The decision blocks President Trump’s bid to end automatic citizenship by executive order, with Chief Justice Roberts writing for the court and joined by a cross-ideological majority.
The Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting an executive order that would have stripped citizenship from children born to non-citizens. The majority emphasizes the long-standing link between birthplace and rights, while dissenters argue the decision reflects a narrower view of the citizenship clause.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the coordinated spending limits that restrict party expenditures with campaigns violate the First Amendment, overturning a decades-old cap. The decision, in a 6-3 vote, shifts fundraising dynamics ahead of the midterms as parties can coordinate more with candidates and may attract bigger donations.
Charles Winters and other Black employees allege systematic racial discrimination at Six Flags Magic Mountain and Planet Fitness facilities, claiming reduced duties, stricter supervision, unlawful terminations, and denial of promotions. Lawsuits seek tens of millions in damages as the cases unfold in Los Angeles Superior Court and related venues.
Barrett has authored a 5-4 ruling allowing states to count mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day, while other decisions reject global tariffs and birthright citizenship restrictions. The court’s conservatives maintain a controlling stance, though Barrett’s recent votes show occasional divergence from Trump positions. The publishing window spans early July 2026 and stems from Independent reporting.
The Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment, rejecting President Trump’s bid to end it. The ruling maintains that citizenship is granted at birth to anyone born in the United States, including children of undocumented migrants. Trump has pledged to seek a rehearing and press Congress on immigration.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point as the U.S. indicates it will reinstate a blockade around Iran’s shipping, proposing a 20% toll on all cargo. Markets react as oil prices jump and analysts assess supply-chain implications amid a strained ceasefire.
Trump has recommended Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Nordone, as interim Senator for South Carolina following Graham’s death. McMaster is expected to announce a replacement later today as lawmakers scrutinize the late senator’s legacy and the state’s political stability.
Two sitting Supreme Court justices have testified before Congress, urging a budget increase to expand personal protection and enhance security amid rising threats to judges nationwide. The hearing followed a landmark term and highlighted concerns about ethics oversight and court transparency.
The late Sen. Lindsey Graham has died; FBI agents are assisting local authorities in examining his Capitol Hill residence as investigators pursue leads. Authorities have emphasized a continued security presence around the home, and President Trump is commenting publicly on the situation.