What Happened to Supreme Court of the United States?
The Supreme Court of the United States continues to be the highest judicial body in the country, leading the judicial branch of the federal government. In recent years, particularly through its 2025-2026 term, the Court has issued landmark rulings on issues such as birthright citizenship, voting rights, and presidential powers, often reflecting its conservative majority. Public approval of the Court has remained near historic lows, with various polls in 2026 indicating significant disapproval, especially among Democrats and a growing segment of Independents and even some Republicans.
Quick Answer
The Supreme Court of the United States concluded its 2025-2026 term in June 2026, delivering significant decisions on birthright citizenship, voting rights, and the scope of presidential authority. As of August 2026, public approval ratings for the Court remain low, with polls showing a majority of Americans disapproving of its job performance and perceiving it as conservative. The Court is currently preparing for its 2026-2027 term, which is scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026, with 25 cases already agreed to be heard.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Start of 2024-2025 Term
The Supreme Court began its 2024-2025 term, with expectations of continued conservative influence on major legal issues.
Certiorari Granted in Trump v. Barbara
The Supreme Court granted certiorari in *Trump v. Barbara*, a case challenging a presidential executive order related to birthright citizenship.
Release of 'The People's Guide to the 2025–2026 Supreme Court Term'
Democracy Forward released a guide highlighting the stakes of the 2025-2026 term, focusing on potential threats to democracy and the Court's shadow docket.
Rutherford v. United States Decision
The Court ruled that when Congress makes a sentencing reduction non-retroactive, the gap between an old sentence and a new law cannot be an 'extraordinary and compelling reason' for compassionate release.
Public Approval Drops to 43%
A Marquette University Law School poll, conducted April 8-16, 2026, found that only 43% of respondents approved of the Supreme Court, a decline from 54% in March 2025.
Decisions in Chatrie v. United States and Trump v. Cook
The Supreme Court issued opinions in cases including *Chatrie v. United States* and *Trump v. Cook*, addressing issues such as cell phone data and presidential removal powers.
End of 2025-2026 Term; Landmark Rulings Issued
The Court concluded its 2025-2026 term, issuing opinions in 68 cases. Key rulings included striking down an executive order on birthright citizenship in *Trump v. Barbara* and decisions in *National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission* and *West Virginia v. B.P.J.*
Majority Disapproves of Supreme Court
An Economist/YouGov poll, conducted July 3-6, 2026, found that 50% of Americans disapproved of the Supreme Court's job performance, with only 36% approving.
Favorable Views Remain Near Historic Low
A Pew Research Center survey (July 6-12, 2026) reported that only 45% of Americans held a favorable opinion of the Supreme Court, close to a three-decade low.
25 Cases Agreed for 2026-2027 Term
As of this date, the Supreme Court had agreed to hear 25 cases during its upcoming 2026-2027 term, with 14 already scheduled for argument.
Courtroom Closed for Maintenance
The Supreme Court Building remained open to the public, but the Courtroom was closed for maintenance from August 3 to August 31, with no lectures taking place.
Start of 2026-2027 Term
The Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearing cases for its 2026-2027 term on the first Monday in October.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Supreme Court of the United States has navigated a period of intense scrutiny and significant legal challenges, particularly from 2024 through mid-2026. The Court's conservative majority, established through several appointments in prior years, has continued to shape American jurisprudence, often leading to outcomes that align with a conservative legal agenda.
The 2025-2026 term, which concluded on June 30, 2026, was marked by several high-profile decisions. Among these, the Court notably struck down a presidential executive order attempting to reinterpret the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship clause, affirming the constitutional right to birthright citizenship. This decision, in Trump v. Barbara, was seen by some as a check on executive power. However, other rulings during the term, particularly those concerning voting rights and election law, continued a trend that critics argue undermines civil rights and expands presidential powers in certain contexts.
Public perception of the Supreme Court has remained largely unfavorable. Multiple polls conducted in 2026 consistently show low approval ratings. A Marquette University Law School poll in April 2026 reported only 43% approval, a decrease from 54% in March 2025. Similarly, a Pew Research Center survey in July 2026 found that only 45% of Americans viewed the Court favorably, a near three-decade low. An Economist/YouGov poll in July 2026 indicated that 50% of Americans disapproved of the Court's job handling, with only 36% approving. This disapproval is particularly pronounced among Democrats (80% disapproval) and a significant portion of Independents (52% disapproval), though a majority of Republicans (69%) still approve. Notably, a July 2026 Washington Post/Ipsos poll found that Republican approval of the Court had declined from a near-record high of 79% in June 2025 to 58%.
Beyond specific rulings, the Court has faced ongoing discussions regarding its institutional stability and the use of its 'shadow docket' – emergency rulings issued with little transparency or explanation. Critics argue that this practice allows for consequential decisions without the traditional deliberative process. As of August 11, 2026, the Court has already agreed to hear 25 cases for its upcoming 2026-2027 term, which is set to commence on October 5, 2026. The Court's building remains open to the public, though the courtroom itself was closed for maintenance for much of August 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Supreme Court of the United States made different choices?