Supreme Court Spotlight: Key Cases Shaping U.S. Law in 2025

Supreme Court Spotlight: Key Cases Shaping U.S. Law in 2025

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) plays a pivotal role in interpreting the Constitution and shaping the legal landscape of the nation. As of April 2025, the Court’s docket includes several significant cases that have the potential to influence various aspects of American law and society. This essay examines key cases from the 2024–2025 term, highlighting their legal questions and potential ramifications.

1. United States v. Skrmetti: LGBTQ+ Rights and Gender-Affirming Care

This case challenges a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for minors. Plaintiffs argue that the law violates the Equal Protection Clause by denying transgender youths access to medically necessary treatments endorsed by major medical organizations. The district court initially halted the ban, recognizing parents’ rights to direct their children’s medical care. However, the Sixth Circuit reinstated it, leading to Supreme Court review. A ruling upholding the ban could set a precedent affecting transgender rights nationwide, especially in states with similar legislation.

2. Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado: Environmental Policy and NEPA

This case examines whether the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to consider indirect environmental effects, such as increased oil drilling, when approving projects like the Uinta Basin railway in Utah. The Surface Transportation Board approved the project without assessing these broader impacts, prompting legal challenges. The Court’s decision could redefine the scope of environmental reviews under NEPA, influencing future infrastructure projects and environmental conservation efforts.

3. Garland v. VanDerStok: Regulation of ‘Ghost Guns’

At issue is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) authority to regulate “ghost guns”—untraceable firearms assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts. The ATF’s 2022 rule expanded the definition of “firearms” to include these kits, aiming to close a loophole that allowed individuals to bypass background checks. Manufacturers challenged the rule, arguing it exceeded the ATF’s statutory authority. The Supreme Court’s ruling will have significant implications for gun control measures and the regulation of firearm components.

4. City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency: Clean Water Act Enforcement

This case questions whether the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can penalize permit holders under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System for violating water quality standards without specifying discharge limits. San Francisco contends that the EPA’s enforcement actions were unauthorized under the Clean Water Act. The Court’s decision could clarify the extent of the EPA’s regulatory authority and impact environmental compliance requirements for municipalities nationwide.

5. Food and Drug Administration v. Wages and White Lion Investments: E-Cigarette Marketing Regulations

This case addresses whether the FDA acted appropriately in preventing the marketing of new e-cigarette products. The outcome will influence the regulatory landscape for tobacco and nicotine products, balancing public health concerns against industry interests.

6. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos: Liability of U.S. Firearms Manufacturers

Mexico seeks to hold U.S. gun manufacturers accountable for firearms trafficking that contributes to violence across the border. The case raises questions about the applicability of U.S. laws in foreign contexts and the potential for imposing significant damages on the firearms industry. A ruling in favor of Mexico could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of gun manufacturers’ distribution practices.

7. Nuclear Regulatory Commission v. Texas: Licensing of Nuclear Waste Storage

This case examines whether the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has the authority to license private companies to temporarily store spent nuclear fuel away from the plants where it was generated. Texas challenges the NRC’s decision, arguing it exceeds federal statutes. The Court’s ruling will impact the management and storage of nuclear waste, with implications for environmental safety and energy policy.

8. Diamond Alternative Energy v. Environmental Protection Agency: State Authority in Environmental Regulation

This upcoming case will determine whether California can prohibit the sale of gasoline-powered automobiles starting in 2035 under a waiver of the Clean Air Act. The decision will have significant implications for state autonomy in setting environmental standards and the future of automotive industry regulations.

Notable Trends

The Supreme Court’s 2024–2025 term has been marked by several notable trends that reflect the evolving legal and societal landscape of the United States. These trends encompass areas such as the balance of powers, individual rights, environmental policies, and the regulation of emerging technologies.​

1. Judicial Checks on Executive Authority

A significant development this term is the judiciary’s active role in scrutinizing executive actions. The issuance of nationwide injunctions by federal judges has become a prominent mechanism to halt policies perceived as overreaching. This has led to debates about the appropriateness of such injunctions and the balance between judicial oversight and executive authority. The Supreme Court faces mounting pressure to delineate the boundaries of these judicial tools.

2. Emphasis on First Amendment Rights

The Court has shown a heightened focus on First Amendment issues, particularly concerning freedom of speech and religious liberties. In Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the Court examined a Texas law requiring age verification for online content deemed harmful to minors, raising questions about the balance between protecting children and upholding free expression. Additionally, cases like City and County of San Francisco v. Environmental Protection Agency have implications for the extent to which religious organizations can be exempt from general laws based on faith-based objections.

3. Reassessment of Environmental Regulations

Environmental law has been a focal point, with the Court addressing the scope of federal agencies’ authority under statutes like the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). In Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colorado, the Court considered whether NEPA requires federal agencies to evaluate indirect environmental effects of projects, such as increased oil drilling resulting from new infrastructure. These decisions may significantly influence the future of environmental oversight and policy implementation.​

4. Regulation of Emerging Technologies and Public Health

The Court has also addressed cases involving the regulation of emerging technologies and their public health implications. In Food and Drug Administration v. Wages and White Lion Investments, the justices deliberated on the FDA’s authority to prevent the marketing of new e-cigarette products, balancing public health concerns against industry interests. Such cases highlight the judiciary’s role in navigating the complex intersection of innovation, regulation, and public welfare.​

These cases underscore the Supreme Court’s central role in addressing complex legal issues that affect various facets of American life, from individual rights and public health to environmental policy and industry regulation. The outcomes will not only interpret existing laws but also shape the trajectory of U.S. legal and social frameworks in the years to come.