The October 2025 Term orders docket of the U.S. Supreme Court provides valuable insights into the Justices' perspectives on a wide range of legal issues, including criminal law matters. The court's denial of certiorari (review) for cases often leaves lower court rulings intact without explanation, but when a Justice writes separately to explain their disagreement with such denials, these opinions can offer deeper understanding and potential guidance for future cases.
Notable Criminal Law Orders
Smith v. Kind
Sotomayor, joined by Kagan and Jackson, criticized the Court's trend of declining to intervene in qualified immunity cases when government officers are wrongly afforded protection but unflinchingly reversing when officers have been wrongly denied that protection. This highlights concerns about asymmetrical treatment of law enforcement and civil rights.
Danco Laboratories v. Louisiana
Thomas and Alito dissented from a stay granted by the Court, suggesting that mailing mifepristone to users in Louisiana could violate criminal laws. This case underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding reproductive rights and their intersection with criminal statutes.
United States v. Carter
Alito, joined by Thomas, dissented from denial of review, arguing that a "reasonable suspicion" ruling
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