In 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear cases on a number of deeply contested issues, including the legal ramifications of the Capitol Hill Insurrection of January 6, 2021; abortion rights; and the constitutionality of certain gun rights laws.
The Supreme Court’s decision on January 6 related rioters will be a groundbreaking one likely to influence future protests. In sworn affidavits, the Justice Department has argued that the Capitol rioters broke federal laws, and could be held accountable for their criminal actions. The Supreme Court must decide whether the nation’s highest court should assess the legality of the rioters’ actions, while also balancing the right to free expression and assembly.
In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court will again hear a case about a woman’s choice to have or not have an abortion. This case will be the first time the court has considered reproductive rights since the Trump presidency dogmatically restricted the right to abortion. It will be a watershed moment for abortion rights in America, with an incredible amount of public attention paid to the outcome.
The Supreme Court will also address the constitutionality of certain gun rights laws. In June 2021, the court overturned a 63-year-old ban on so-called “machine guns”, in a case that revealed the justices’ differing views on the Second Amendment. In 2024, the Supreme Court will have to consider whether the Second Amendment gives citizens the right to bear arms in all states or if states should be allowed to impose gun restrictions in certain cases. This case will be incredibly important in deciding how gun laws are framed going forward.
Given the contentious nature of these issues, the decisions of the Supreme Court in 2024 will be closely watched. These cases could forever alter the legal landscape and set binding precedents for years to come.
Jan 6 rioters, abortion, gun rights: A look ahead at landmark cases SCOTUS will hear in 2024
