As the Supreme Court begins its new term on October 7, it is set to tackle an array of significant legal questions involving gun rights, medical marijuana, e-cigarette regulations, and gender transition treatments for minors.
At a Glance
- The Supreme Court will address key issues like gun rights, medical marijuana use, e-cigarette regulation, and gender transition procedures for minors.
- The 2024 term starts amidst demands from Democratic lawmakers for new ethics codes and term limits for the court.
- The court will review the constitutionality of Biden’s new rules on “ghost guns” and Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers for minors.
- The docket includes cases related to CBD product legality, PTSD treatment for veterans, and FDA regulations on fruit-flavored e-cigarettes.
Diverse Legal Issues Await Justices’ Review
The Supreme Court’s upcoming term is filled with critical cases that touch on a broad range of social and legal issues. One significant case, **GARLAND V. VANDERSTOK**, involves the Biden administration’s regulation on “ghost guns”—untraceable firearms assembled from kits. This case will determine the extent to which federal law can regulate these firearms.
Another high-profile case, **MEDICAL MARIJUANA V. HORN**, will decide if a truck driver can sue a medical marijuana company under the RICO Act after losing his job due to a failed drug test. This case exemplifies the complex interplay between state and federal marijuana laws and workplace policies.
The court will also hear **BUFKIN V. MCDONOUGH**, a case with significant implications for veterans’ rights. The decision could expand benefits for veterans denied medical care for PTSD by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
FDA Regulations and E-Cigarettes Under Scrutiny
The e-cigarette industry will be closely watching **FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION V. WAGES AND WHITE LION INVESTMENTS, LLC**. The Supreme Court will rule on the FDA’s authority to deny approval for fruit-flavored e-cigarettes, a decision that could have broad implications for public health and regulatory powers.
Furthermore, **U.S. V. SKRMETTI** will see the court reviewing the Biden administration’s challenge to Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and transgender surgeries for minors. This case will address whether the ban violates the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.
External Pressures on the Supreme Court
As the 2024 term begins, the Supreme Court is also under significant external pressures for ethical reforms and term limits. Democratic lawmakers have been pushing for new codes of ethics and term limits for justices, reflecting concerns over the court’s institutional integrity.
These cases demonstrate the Supreme Court’s pivotal role in shaping national policies on contentious issues like gun rights, drug enforcement, public health, and gender identity. As the term progresses, the court’s decisions will inevitably influence the legal landscape and possibly set new precedents for future cases.
