PAUL FISHER

This summer the Supreme Court handed down decisions in a host of landmark cases involving a host of issues affecting American politics and society. Issues such as citizenship and immigration, mail-in ballots and redistricting, conversion therapy and transgender sports participation, tariffs and gun ownership take centerstage in 2026. This course takes a close look at one case each week.

Trump v Barbara

The Court struck down the Executive Order defining citizenship as requiring one parent to be a US citizen or legal permanent US resident.

Trump v Slaughter and Trump v Cook

In Slaughter, the Court reversed Humphrey's Executor, ruling that President Trump may fire an executive agency member without the need for "cause". In Cook, the Court held that Federal Reserve members may not be fired except for "cause", distinguishing the Federal Reserve from other Executive agencies.

Watson v Republican National Committee

The Court ruled that mail in ballots received after election day and in compliance with state law may be counted.

Learning Resources, Inc, v US

The Court struck down broad tariffs imposed by Executive Order under the International Economic Powers Act.

West Virginia v BPJ

The Court ruled that states may ban transgenger males (i.e., biological males) from competing in female athletic competitions.

Louisiana v Callais

The Court upheld a Louisiana redistricting map against a challenge under the Voting Rights Act.

Chiles v Salazar

The Court struck down a Colorado statute banning conversion therapy on 1st Amendment grounds.

Mullin v Doe

The Court upheld the right of the Executive branch to terminate Temporary Protected Status that had been granted to people from countries experiencing severe environmental, social or political crisis as designated by the Department of Homeland Security. 

US v Hemani

The Court held that states may not deny someone the right to bear arms under the 2nd Amendment because of marijuana use and no convictions for violent felonies.

Paul Fisher has practiced law for more than fifty years. A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, he has contributed amicus briefs to the Supreme Court and carefully follows the Court’s decisions.