Topic

Supreme Court

Our reporting on Supreme Court, newest first. Every story lays out the facts, what the left says, what the right says, and where the truth most likely sits.

Politics

Supreme Court Takes Up Home-Distilling Ban and Maryland Magnet School Case, Turns Away 9/11 Plea-Deal Appeals

Monday's order list adds two cases to the term: whether the 1868 federal ban on distilling spirits at home is a valid use of the taxing power, and what Asian American parents must show to challenge Montgomery County's magnet middle-school admissions. The justices declined to review the D.C. Circuit ruling that upheld the withdrawal of plea deals for Khalid Shaikh Mohammad and two co-defendants.

October 19, 2026

Politics

The Week's Common Ground

It was a loud week. Here are four places where Americans on the left and the right actually agreed.

October 18, 2026

courts

Is Alito Staying or Going?

Justice Samuel Alito says he isn't retiring during the lame-duck session. That hasn't stopped the speculation, or the fight over what should happen if Democrats win the Senate.

October 18, 2026

Politics

The Bill for 2022 Comes Due

The Supreme Court let stand $122,000 in sanctions against Kari Lake's lawyers. It is one of several loose ends trailing her as her ambassador nomination sits in the Senate.

October 16, 2026

Politics

Supreme Court Weighs Whether Boulder Can Sue Exxon and Suncor Over Climate Change

With Justice Alito recused, a 4–4 tie is possible. The case could decide whether dozens of state-court climate suits go forward.

October 7, 2026

Politics

The Long Overdue Return of Stolen Executive Branch Authority

Humphrey's Executor let Congress shield agency heads from removal. Article II says all executive power belongs to the president, and it is time to say so again.

September 24, 2025

Politics

Ends v. Means: Why Judicial Restraint Is a Good Thing

Dobbs did not ban abortion. It returned the question to voters. Whatever you think of the result, a Court that restrains itself is good for both sides.

June 27, 2022

Columns

Constitution Explained

'Fire in a Crowded Theater' and Other Free-Speech Myths

The most quoted line in First Amendment debates comes from a case that sent a man to prison for opposing the draft. Here is what the law actually protects, and what it doesn't.

October 11, 2026