As a new nine-month term kicks off at the US Supreme Court, major cases poised to reshape significant aspects of American life are on the docket. The justices return after a consequential previous term, which saw pivotal rulings that included protecting a widely used abortion pill and granting former President Donald Trump a degree of immunity from prosecution.

As the nation gears up for the upcoming presidential elections, legal disputes may emerge that could impact this fiercely contested race. With the Supreme Court maintaining a 6-3 conservative majority, public trust is wavering, with a Gallup poll showing only 43% approval—close to historic lows.

Here are some crucial cases to keep an eye on:

Transgender Care in Tennessee

The spotlight shines on the landmark case of US v. Skrmetti, where the Biden administration challenges Tennessee’s Republican-backed ban on gender care for minors. This contentious legislation, effective July 2023, restricts treatments for minors facing gender dysphoria, prohibiting puberty blockers or hormones when they are aimed at enabling a minor to assume an identity inconsistent with their sex.

Young transgender individuals along with their families and medical advocates have joined forces with the Biden administration to contest this ruling, challenging a decision from the Sixth Circuit Court that upheld the ban. The Supreme Court must now determine if this legislation undermines the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection. The ramifications of the Court's ruling could ripple throughout the nation as over 20 states have enacted similar measures.

Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, voice strong opposition to such restrictions, emphasizing the critical necessity of access to appropriate medical care for transgender youth.

Ghost Guns: A Legal Showdown

On the second day of its term, the Supreme Court will address a pivotal case concerning "ghost guns"—untraceable firearms assembled from kits at home. The case, Garland v. VanDerStok, questions whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) can impose regulations akin to those governing commercial gun sales, including requirements for serial numbers and federal background checks.

The Biden administration initially imposed restrictions in 2022, faced resistance in lower courts from firearm enthusiasts and manufacturers, who argued the ATF exceeded its jurisdiction. This case is crucial as the White House has flagged the growing menace of ghost guns, with a staggering increase of 20,000 suspected ghost guns seized during investigations in 2021—a tenfold rise since five years prior.

The Use of Force in Police Encounters

Another significant case centers on law enforcement's use of deadly force. The court will review circumstances under which police officers can justify their actions during confrontations. The Fifth Circuit had previously ruled in favor of Texas police officer Roberto Felix Jr., who shot a driver, Ashtian Barnes, during a traffic stop. Felix claimed he feared for his life as Barnes attempted to flee.

Barnes's mother argues that the force used was unreasonable and violated her son’s Fourth Amendment rights, designed to protect individuals from unjust searches and seizures. The judges initially ruled that Felix acted reasonably, using a doctrine that only considers the immediate moment of perceived threat. However, Judge Patrick Higginbotham expressed his frustration at the narrow evaluation standard, appealing for the Supreme Court’s review to allow consideration of the broader context in assessing the officer's actions.

Conclusion

These cases not only highlight lingering sociopolitical tensions in America but could also redefine legal standards and civil rights in significant ways. As the Supreme Court navigates these high-stakes issues, the eyes of the nation will undoubtedly remain focused on its proceedings, holding the potential to influence the landscape of American life for years to come. Will these rulings bolster or undermine public confidence in the judicial system? The answer lies in the deliberations ahead. Stay tuned!