The United States Supreme Court is currently hearing two high-profile cases that have the potential to overturn four decades of legal precedent. This precedent, commonly referred to as the “Chevron Deference,” advises courts to defer to federal agencies when interpreting laws. This hearing comes in response to appeals made by two fishing companies, Loper Bright Enterprises and Relentless Inc.
The core of these appeals is rooted in the influential 1984 decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council. In this landmark case, the justices established a standard that instructs courts to defer to an agency’s interpretation of a law if the law is ambiguous and if the agency’s interpretation is reasonable. Both Loper Bright Enterprises and Relentless Inc have asked for the court to limit the impact of this decision, or even reverse it entirely.
The impact of these cases could be substantial, potentially changing the scope and weight given to federal agencies in interpreting laws. Many legal professionals will be monitoring these developments closely, as they could have far-reaching implications for the future interpretation of laws and regulations in the United States.