Court delivers major rulings in busy session

By Samantha Ward 24/06/2026 3 min read 6 views

The Supreme Court issued a series of orders this week, highlighting a particularly active period in its term. On Monday, the court added a case to its 2026-27 oral argument docket, reimposed the conviction of the man found to have killed Etan Patz, and denied several noteworthy cases.

The court reversed a lower-court decision that had granted a new trial to Pedro Hernandez, convicted in the 1979 kidnapping and murder of 6-year-old Etan Patz. In a 10-page unsigned opinion, the justices stated federal courts may intervene in state convictions only if the original ruling was “contrary to, or involved an unreasonable application of, clearly established Federal law.” Hernandez’s conviction remains in place.

Some denials of review drew written dissents. Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, objected in a case questioning whether race influenced a Fourth Amendment seizure. The court’s three Democratic appointees dissented in a separate matter involving a Texas man challenging his death sentence due to intellectual disability.

Texas asked the Supreme Court to uphold a law requiring age verification and parental consent for minors accessing certain apps. The state’s solicitor general argued the digital environment poses unique risks, allowing children to encounter harmful content without parental oversight. The case is still pending.

The justices continue to delay action on former President Donald Trump’s petition to overturn a jury’s finding that he sexually abused and defamed writer E. Jean Carroll. The case has been rescheduled 15 times since February, an unusually high number. Only one other matter this term has seen as many delays, involving an Ohio police officer who shot a fleeing suspect. The repeated postponements may indicate internal deliberations or an upcoming opinion.

Discussions about potential Supreme Court vacancies continue, though no openings are expected in the near future. Some judges appointed by Trump have been mentioned as possible candidates if a seat becomes available. Among those named: U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer and 5th Circuit Judge Andrew Oldham. A representative from the conservative legal group Advancing American Freedom stated only Trump-appointed judges would likely be considered.

In October, Sophie Roske received an eight-year prison sentence for plotting to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Roske, who brought a gun to Kavanaugh’s home before abandoning the plan and calling police, pleaded guilty. The Justice Department had sought at least 30 years, pushing for a terrorism enhancement. U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman rejected that argument, noting Roske acted alone, lacked a manifesto, and ultimately turned herself in. The ruling emphasized her actions did not align with typical terrorism cases.

More opinions are expected Thursday, with the justices scheduled to meet privately afterward to review pending petitions. The court’s summer recess begins soon, though no official end date has been set.

Clarence Thomas celebrated his 78th birthday today. Born in 1948, he was appointed in 1991 and is now the second-longest-serving justice in history, trailing only William O. Douglas, who served for 36 years. The justices’ security has drawn attention in recent years following threats and protests.