US Supreme Court paves way for more change next term

Significance

While several cases made headlines, more technical opinions will have greater impact. The Court changed how legal precedents are interpreted without directly overruling them, an approach it may use next term in abortion and gun cases.

Impacts

• The Court will hear cases on gun rights, abortion and possibly affirmative action, next term, all controversial issues.
• Speculation will continue to over whether Justice Breyer may choose to retire to facilitate his replacement by another liberal.
• The presidential commission on Supreme Court reform is due to report in the autumn, coinciding with the next Court term.