The U.S. Supreme Court is beginning a new term with several major disputes involving immigration, climate change, gun rights, voting rules, and religious freedom.
The Associated Press reports that one of the first major cases involves energy companies seeking to block lawsuits over damages linked to climate change. The dispute centers on whether those cases can move forward in state courts, with potentially billions of dollars at stake.
The court is also expected to consider challenges to state bans on semiautomatic rifles such as AR-15s. Supporters of the restrictions say they are intended to reduce gun violence, while challengers argue the laws violate the Second Amendment.
According to the Associated Press, two immigration cases will also test policies involving deportations to third countries and the detention of immigrants without bond hearings. Other cases involve Arizona voting requirements and a Colorado dispute over whether Catholic preschools can participate in a publicly funded program while maintaining faith-based admissions policies.
The decisions could shape several areas of federal and state law during the current term.
