Recent Supreme Court decisions have really changed American society in many ways, especially in politics, the economy, and social issues. Let's break down some of the important areas affected:
In 2013, the Supreme Court made a big decision in the case of Shelby County v. Holder. This ruling struck down parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Because of this, many states began to create new voting rules that some believe make it harder for certain groups to vote. Since then, over 30 states have put in place strict voter ID laws or other rules that critics say harm minority voters. As a result, the voting rate for eligible Black voters dropped from 66.6% in 2008 to 61.4% in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In June 2022, the Supreme Court made a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade. This earlier decision had protected a woman’s right to make choices about her own body for almost 50 years. Now, 26 states have put in place bans or big restrictions on abortion. This affects about 20 million women. A study from the Pew Research Center shows that Americans are really split on this issue: 59% believe that abortion should be legal in most cases.
Another major decision came in 2022 with New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. This ruling made it easier for people to carry guns outside their homes. Because of this decision, states like New York and California are facing challenges to their gun control laws. Since 2020, gun sales have jumped by 75%.
In the case of West Virginia v. EPA, the Supreme Court limited the federal government’s power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This has hurt efforts to fight climate change. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that global temperatures have already gone up by 1.1°C since the time before industrial development. This shows we need to take environmental action seriously.
These decisions show how the Supreme Court can really shape laws and impact our everyday lives in different ways.
Recent Supreme Court decisions have really changed American society in many ways, especially in politics, the economy, and social issues. Let's break down some of the important areas affected:
In 2013, the Supreme Court made a big decision in the case of Shelby County v. Holder. This ruling struck down parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Because of this, many states began to create new voting rules that some believe make it harder for certain groups to vote. Since then, over 30 states have put in place strict voter ID laws or other rules that critics say harm minority voters. As a result, the voting rate for eligible Black voters dropped from 66.6% in 2008 to 61.4% in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In June 2022, the Supreme Court made a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization that overturned Roe v. Wade. This earlier decision had protected a woman’s right to make choices about her own body for almost 50 years. Now, 26 states have put in place bans or big restrictions on abortion. This affects about 20 million women. A study from the Pew Research Center shows that Americans are really split on this issue: 59% believe that abortion should be legal in most cases.
Another major decision came in 2022 with New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. This ruling made it easier for people to carry guns outside their homes. Because of this decision, states like New York and California are facing challenges to their gun control laws. Since 2020, gun sales have jumped by 75%.
In the case of West Virginia v. EPA, the Supreme Court limited the federal government’s power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This has hurt efforts to fight climate change. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that global temperatures have already gone up by 1.1°C since the time before industrial development. This shows we need to take environmental action seriously.
These decisions show how the Supreme Court can really shape laws and impact our everyday lives in different ways.