Supreme Court Ends Term Restricting Nationwide Injunctions

The Supreme Court's recent term featured significant rulings, including a notable decision limiting the use of nationwide injunctions by federal judges, a practice that had previously allowed courts to block executive actions broadly. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, emphasized that courts should only grant relief to the parties involved in a suit, marking a shift away from the widespread use of universal injunctions, which had impacted both Republican and Democratic administrations. While the ruling pauses President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, it does not resolve the underlying constitutional question, leaving the issue to return to lower courts and potentially back to the Supreme Court. Legal experts warn that plaintiffs may attempt to circumvent this ruling through class action lawsuits, which remain permissible and could lead to further Supreme Court challenges. Commentary from constitutional law scholars highlights a trend of judicial deference to executive power, especially among justices with prior experience in the executive branch. The Supreme Court's term also included other notable moments and dynamics, with commentary on the Court's overall tone and emerging figures such as Justice Jackson.