Supreme Court Begins New Term Amidst High-Profile Cases and Controversies

The U.S. Supreme Court's new nine-month term features significant cases on guns, transgender rights, and online pornography. Amid scrutiny over rulings and ethics, the term may also involve election disputes. The court's internal divisions reflect broader societal tensions, with debates over conduct and legal interpretations intensifying.

The U.S. Supreme Court launches its new nine-month term on Monday, already facing several major cases, including those involving guns, transgender rights, and online pornography. The court, with its 6-3 conservative majority, continues to drive U.S. law rightward on various issues and might also address legal disputes arising from the Nov. 5 presidential election.

Returning from their summer recess, the justices are under intense scrutiny not only for their legal rulings but also for simmering ethics scandals and unresolved leaks of confidential information. "Something does feel broken," said Lisa Blatt, a lawyer who often argues before the court, pointing out visible frustration among some justices.

The court's first major case is set for Tuesday, concerning ghost guns. President Biden's administration has appealed a lower court ruling that questioned federal authority over regulating these untraceable firearms. Other cases include challenges to a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors and age verification requirements on pornographic websites in Texas.

(With inputs from agencies.)