Out with a (gavel) bang
The Supreme Court’s nine robed justices handed down a trio of big decisions on Friday.
First up, Chevron deference.
Nope, it has nothing to do with interior design (or gas stations). Chevron is a much-cited 1984 precedent-setting decision that said the courts should defer to administrative agencies’ interpretation of ambiguous laws.
The Court ruled 6-3 along ideological lines, with the conservative majority saying that legal interpretation is a power of the judicial branch (not the executive).
The ruling is a boon for businesses, but Biden’s administration says it will lead to “policy paralysis” because Congress will have to make extremely specific laws for agencies to take action.
Now, homelessness.
In another 6-3 ideological-line vote, conservative justices upheld an Oregon city’s right to fine people who are homeless for camping on public property. The liberal justices dissented, saying, “sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime.”
And finally, January 6th charges.
After the January 6th riot, hundreds of people were charged with “obstruction of an official proceeding.” On Friday, the Court ruled the charge only applies in cases where evidence or documents are withheld.
Prosecutors estimate the ruling impacts 250 of the 1,400 people charged in January 6th cases, possibly reducing or eliminating their prison sentences. Prosecutors also say it won’t affect charges against former President Trump since his case does involve documents (fake elector ballots). Expect (more) legal battles on that.
What’s next?
The Supremes still have three open cases—including Trump’s presidential immunity case—which are expected to be decided today. They’ll then break until October 7th.
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CHOOSE HUMILITY
Culturally hot topics (like Supreme Court rulings) frequently make people think, speak, and act poorly… including us. We can respect others and represent God better if we are quick to listen and slow to speak.
“My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” James 1:19-20 (CSB) (read full passage)
