U.S. Supreme Court begins new term with major cases

The U.S. Supreme Court has commenced its new term, with a docket featuring significant cases regarding religious liberty, immigration, firearms, and environmental accountability.

One notable case, St. Mary Catholic Parish v. Roy, involves a dispute in Colorado over whether Catholic preschools can participate in a state universal preschool program. The state argues that participation requires adherence to nondiscrimination rules regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, while the schools contend that such requirements exclude them based on their religious teachings.

Other major issues under consideration include the legality of mandatory detention policies for undocumented immigrants, the ability of the administration to deport individuals to countries with which they have no ties, and potential rulings on state authority to hold energy companies accountable for climate impacts. The court is also expected to address cases involving private firearm ownership and the separation of church and state regarding the funding of religious schools.