On its last official decision day of the term, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a series of landmark rulings Friday that reshaped key aspects of judicial authority, parental rights, and voting laws—many split along ideological lines.
Nationwide injunctions curtailed
In the most significant ruling, the Court voted 6-3 to sharply limit the use of nationwide injunctions, which have allowed judges to block federal policies across the country. This tool, frequently used to halt Trump-era initiatives such as attempts to end birthright citizenship, was criticized by conservatives as judicial overreach. While the Court's decision restricts this practice, it left open other avenues for broad legal relief, such as class action lawsuits.
Victory for parental rights in culture war case
In Mahmoud v. Taylor, the Court ruled 6-3 that parents in Maryland have the right to opt their children out of public school lessons on LGBTQ+ topics if they conflict with their religious beliefs. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito emphasized that forcing children to attend such instruction could undermine parents’ religious teachings and therefore violates their rights.
Voting rights decision delayed
The justices also decided to delay a ruling on Louisiana's congressional maps, stating more arguments were needed. This means no changes will occur to the state's voting districts—including majority-Black districts—before the 2028 elections.