The U.S. Supreme Court has delivered rulings on three significant cases, with a decision on former President Donald Trump’s immunity expected on Monday. These rulings have far-reaching implications for federal agencies, securities fraud enforcement, and bankruptcy law.
### Chevron Doctrine Overruled
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has overruled the Chevron doctrine, a 40-year precedent that allowed federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws. The ruling came in the case of *Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo* and *Relentless, Inc. v. Department of Commerce*. A six-justice majority decided that the power to interpret laws should rest with the courts, not administrative agencies. This decision significantly curtails the authority of federal agencies and will impact how laws are implemented across the federal government.
### SEC’s Enforcement Tool Limited
In another major ruling, the Supreme Court has limited the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) ability to impose fines in administrative proceedings. The case, *Securities and Exchange Commission v. Jarkesy*, was decided by a 6-3 vote. The court held that the right to a jury trial in civil cases invalidates the fines imposed by the SEC in its administrative processes. This decision will affect numerous federal agencies that use similar enforcement mechanisms.
### Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Plan Blocked
The Supreme Court also blocked Purdue Pharma’s $6 billion bankruptcy plan, which included a provision to release the Sackler family from liability. The Sacklers, who own Purdue Pharma, did not file for bankruptcy themselves. The court ruled that the bankruptcy code does not permit such third-party releases without the consent of creditors and victims. This decision has significant implications for how bankruptcy laws are applied in cases involving large corporations and their owners.
### Emergency Abortions in Idaho
In a brief unsigned order, the Supreme Court allowed emergency abortions to proceed in Idaho. The order leaves in place a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block the state’s abortion ban, which conflicts with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. The justices did not rule on the merits of the law or emergency abortion access, leaving the issue unresolved for now.
### Trump Immunity Ruling Expected
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on Monday regarding former President Donald Trump’s immunity from prosecution. This decision could have significant implications for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The court’s ruling will address whether Trump can be disqualified from the ballot due to his actions related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
During the arguments, both conservative and liberal justices questioned whether Trump could be disqualified without congressional action. Justice Elena Kagan and others expressed concerns about a single state deciding who can be president. The court’s decision could reflect a broad consensus and come quickly.
### Arguments and Implications
Eight of the nine justices appeared open to some of the arguments made by Trump’s lawyer, Jonathan Mitchell. Only Justice Sonia Sotomayor seemed inclined to uphold the Colorado Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump “engaged in insurrection” and is ineligible to be president. The justices spent little time discussing whether Trump actually engaged in insurrection, focusing instead on the legal and constitutional questions.
Lawyer Jason Murray, representing the Colorado voters who sued to remove Trump from the ballot, argued that Trump incited the Capitol attack to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. Mitchell countered that the riot was not an insurrection and that Trump did not participate.
Trump, speaking to reporters, called the Supreme Court argument “a beautiful thing to watch” and expressed hope that democracy would continue. The justices heard over two hours of arguments, considering Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which was adopted after the Civil War to prevent former officeholders who engaged in insurrection from holding office again.
### Potential Outcomes
Chief Justice John Roberts expressed concern that a ruling against Trump could lead to efforts to disqualify other candidates. Trump’s lawyers argue that the amendment cannot be used to keep Trump off the ballot for several reasons, including that the Jan. 6 riot was not an insurrection and that Trump did not participate. They also argue that the presidency is excluded from the amendment’s provisions and that Congress must pass legislation to enforce it.
The lawyers for the Colorado voters counter that there is ample evidence that the events of Jan. 6 constituted an insurrection and that Trump incited it. They argue that the amendment applies to the presidency and that no enabling legislation is needed.
A decision upholding the Colorado ruling would declare that Trump engaged in insurrection and is barred from holding office again. This would allow states to keep him off the ballot, jeopardizing his campaign. The justices could opt for a less conclusive outcome, but the issue could return to them, potentially after the general election in November.
### Broader Context
Trump is also appealing a ruling by Maine’s Democratic Secretary of State, Shenna Bellows, that he is ineligible to appear on the state’s ballot due to his role in the Capitol attack. Both the Colorado Supreme Court and Maine’s rulings are on hold pending appeals.
The Supreme Court has signaled it will act quickly, shortening the period for written briefs and arguments. People began lining up outside the court on Wednesday, hoping to witness the historic decision.
The issues may be novel, but Trump is no stranger to the justices, three of whom he appointed. The court has previously declined to embrace his claims of fraud in the 2020 election and refused to shield his tax records from Congress and prosecutors.
Before the Supreme Court finishes deciding this case, it will likely deal with another appeal from Trump, who is expected to seek an emergency order to halt his election subversion trial. The court will also hear an appeal from one of the more than 1,200 people charged in the Capitol riot, which could impact charges against over 300 people, including Trump.
The court last played a central role in presidential politics in its 5-4 decision that effectively ended the disputed 2000 election in favor of George W. Bush. Justice Clarence Thomas, the only current member who participated in Bush v. Gore, has ignored calls to recuse himself from the case due to his wife’s support for Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
### Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on Trump’s immunity will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for his 2024 presidential campaign and the broader political landscape. The court’s recent rulings on federal agency power, securities fraud enforcement, and bankruptcy law highlight its pivotal role in shaping U.S. law and policy.
Source: Associated Press, BBC News, Politico, NBC News, NPR, The New York Times, Time
