On December 30, 1853, the historical Gadsden Treaty was signed by the U.S. minister to Mexico and the president of Mexico, clarifying U.S.-Mexico border boundaries. This treaty remains relevant today as it features prominently in an upcoming case before the Supreme Court that will determine whether asylum seekers must be physically present in the U.S. to claim protections under U.S. immigration law.
In other news, Chief Justice John Roberts is scheduled to release a year-end report on the federal judiciary, expected to provide insight into the workings of the Supreme Court over the past year.
The role of the Supreme Court’s temporary rulings continues to be a subject of analysis. An article from The Wall Street Journal indicates that although such rulings appear procedural and temporary, their impacts have proven substantive, particularly in allowing certain Trump administration policies to affect many immigrants’ legal status.
Furthermore, Justice Samuel Alito’s increasing influence on the court has drawn interest. According to CNN, although many of his positions have become majorities on the court, his discontent appears undiminished, contributing to tense exchanges and strongly-worded opinions.
On a different legal front, the case of Richard Glossip, who seeks freedom on bond after nearly 30 years on death row, was renewed for a new trial thanks to a Supreme Court decision earlier this year. This high-profile retrial will reassess Glossip’s conviction for the murder-for-hire of Barry Van Treese.
Finally, the Supreme Court’s role in empowering ICE has come under critique. Former federal judge Nancy Gertner, writing for The Atlantic, discusses how recent rulings have limited recourse for individuals whose rights are violated by ICE, unlike usual protections citizens enjoy against law enforcement excesses.
For further detailed coverage and analysis, readers are encouraged to view the original SCOTUSblog post.