As summer approaches, a question looms over the U.S. Supreme Court: will the justices enjoy a respite after a hectic previous year? Last summer was atypical as the court’s interim docket was bustling with activity, much of it centered on requests from the Trump administration. Notable decisions included reducing the federal workforce, reshaping immigration stops in Los Angeles, and handling independent agency dynamics. These responsibilities required the justices to remain actively engaged throughout what is traditionally a period of downtime.
Moving into 2026, one significant case has already emerged on the court’s interim docket that does not involve the administration: a contentious Texas law imposing age-verification and parental-consent requirements on minors’ access to apps, currently being challenged by a student group and trade association. The legal arguments are fully laid out, and the Supreme Court could decide on the matter at any moment.
Additional potential disruptions to a relaxing summer include a legal challenge against Trump’s executive order on utilizing the U.S. Postal Service for mail-in voting integrity, a measure blocked by a Boston federal judge. This case is now poised for appeal. Another developing case pertains to the White House ballroom construction project. If the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rules against it, the administration may escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.
Despite these potential cases, the absence of urgent matters involving the Trump administration, as seen last summer, might allow the justices a much-needed break. This comes against the backdrop of last year’s tensions where high stakes decisions possibly affected interpersonal dynamics, a situation noted by observers like Justin Driver of Yale Law School at the SCOTUSblog Summit.
Last year’s events culminated in an unusually dramatic term characterized by critiques and public disagreements among the justices, such as those involving Justices Sotomayor and Kavanaugh. As the Supreme Court clears its “clean-up” conference, only time will tell if this summer indeed grants the tranquility needed to reset for the upcoming term.
For further details, read the full article on SCOTUSblog.