The Supreme Court 2023–24: Blockbuster Decisions with Enormous Implications
Two Wednesdays: September 19 and 26, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45
Presented by Stan Roden
The 2023–24 Supreme Court term was one of the most consequential in recent memory. This class will explore two bedrock principles of American jurisprudence: stare decisis, meaning “to stand by things decided,” and judicial ethics. Cases to be explored: Criminal law immunity for former presidents (6–3); power of federal agencies vs. federal courts (6–3); agency funding (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) (7–2); restrictions on homelessness (6–3); use of administrative courts, i.e., SEC (6–3); obstruction charges for Jan. 6 rioters/insurrectionists (6–3); cross-state air pollution (5–4); racial gerrymandering (6–3); gun rights (8–1), bump stocks (6–3), and NRA (9–0); social media companies’ First Amendment rights (9–0); abortion pills (9–0); opioid settlement (5–4); and others. Additionally, this class will explore the issues of “judge shopping,” “court packing,” and SCOTUS term limits.