5 Most Monumental SCOTUS Cases of 2018
To say that 2018 has been a crazy year for the High Court would be an understatement. From Kennedy's retirement to Kavanaugh's confirmation, it's been a wild ride. Justice Ginsburg even took a tumble.
But both the Notorious RBG and the whole High Court keep on keeping on, making history and monumental decisions, that is. Below you can read about five of the most monumental High Court decisions from 2018.
1. SCOTUS Rules for Baker in Masterpiece Case
Perhaps one of the most talked about cases that finally got a ruling this year involved the infamous Masterpiece Cake shop and the owner's prosecution for refusing to service a same-sex couple's wedding. And while the Court did rule for the baker, it did so in a way to ensure that it did not overturn the underlying law.
2. SCOTUS: States Free to Allow Sports Betting
While the Justices may not be known for leading exciting lives, they seem to be open to allowing sports fans and gamblers to have more fun as the High Court explicitly ruled that states are free to allow sports gambling.
3. Epic Disagreement in 'Epic' Decision
The Epic Systems v. Lewis matter made a huge impact nationwide as the Court ruled that arbitration agreements banning collective action are in fact enforceable. It's estimated that the decision will impact the nearly 25 million Americans subject to this sort of an arbitration limitation, though few are even likely to ever notice.
4. SCOTUS: Warrant Required for Cell Phone Location Search
In perhaps one of the most significant technology related decisions of the year, the High Court ruled that law enforcement is required to get a warrant to search a cell phone's location history. And while the Court recognized that exigent circumstances can change things, it noted that the type of information sought and the permanence of it, make it such that a warrant will almost always be required.
5. SCOTUS: States Can Tax Out-Of-State Online Sales
This is the decision that might impact consumers more than any other decision, perhaps ever. SCOTUS ruled that states are allowed to tax online sales that originate out of state. This little tax loophole (of sorts) has been a boon for online retailers and the online marketplace in general as consumers could reap sizable savings by avoiding in-state sales tax.
Related Resources:
- SCOTUS Says: Burglary Includes Livable Vehicles (FindLaw's U.S. Supreme Court Blog)
- Study Finds Secrets Hidden in Justices' Vocal Pitch (FindLaw's U.S. Supreme Court Blog)
- The Notorious RBG Is A-Okay (FindLaw's U.S. Supreme Court Blog)