How Justice Scalia's Death Impacts Your Business
The legal community is still adjusting to the reality that Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia died last month. His absence leaves the outcome of many cases more difficult to predict than before. Let's look at how the high court influences your small business and a few cases that illustrate this.
When we think of Supreme Court cases, we generally think of civil rights, most likely, and not matters that impact small businesses on a daily basis. But actually as workers or employers we're impacted by a wide range of matters awaiting resolution by the nation's highest court.
Everyone's Business
The first case on the docket for consideration in light of Scalia's death comes in the immigration context, according to Inc. In United States v. Texas, the court will consider whether Texas and 25 other states are justified in their efforts to thwart an executive order.
The order seeks to halt deportation of millions of undocumented citizens, including parents of children born in this country. Oral arguments on the case are scheduled for April, with a decision expected in June. Scalia's death leaves a hole in the court and the hearts of his colleagues and this case is considered important to many employers, Inc. writes.
Public and Private Stuff
Next up is Friedrichs vs. California Teachers Association, a case about whether public-sector unions can collect fees from non-union members. Scalia expressed opposition to the practice but what will happen now is anyone's bet. The outcome of this matter could reportedly influence the private sector in right-to-work states.
A case that is ostensibly about veteran-owned businesses and government contracts could also have reverberations in businesses nationwide, Kingdomware Technologies Inc. v. United States. This is a case challenging the federal government's Department of Veteran Affairs for awarding a contract to a non-veteran-owned business over Kingdomware. Federal government contracts are a huge boon to businesses and how they are awarded is important to many.
Split the Difference
Despite all the predictions that came before Scalia's death and that have come since, the outcome of Supreme Court cases is never known until an opinion is issued. But with a vacancy on the high court, there is no shortage of opinions on who should fill the seat and what the next Justice's opinions will mean for all of us.
Got Questions?
If you have a question about how these laws or any others impact your business, speak to a lawyer. Counsel can give you guidance to ensure you make wise and informed decisions that work for your business and your workers.
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