The Supreme Court’s 2026 term begins with a docket featuring significant disputes over climate liability, Second Amendment protections, and election integrity ^{[11] [15] [17]}.

Climate Liability

The term opens with Suncor Energy v. County Commissioners of Boulder County, where the Court will decide if federal law preempts state-law claims holding energy companies liable for climate change impacts ^{[17] [2] [4]}. A ruling favoring the companies could provide broad immunity against similar climate litigation ^[10].

Guns and Voting

The justices are reviewing challenges to assault-style rifle bans, testing Second Amendment precedents regarding "common use" firearms ^{[12] [14]}. Election law also takes center stage; on December 8, the Court will hear a challenge to Arizona’s proof-of-citizenship voting requirements ^{[12] [13]}.

Administrative and Civil Rights

The Court is also set to address immigration policies, religious liberty, and Title IX claims, as the conservative majority continues to evaluate the balance of authority between federal and state governments ^{[2] [3] [9] [15]}.

Sources

1. The October Term: A Preview Of The Coming Cases For Another "Big …
2. Previewing the 2026-2027 Supreme Court Term: Breaking Down This …
3. The October term heralds another ‘big year’ for the Supreme Court
4. Previewing the 2026-2027 Supreme Court Term: Continuing the Rightward …
5. 2026-2027 Supreme Court Term – Alliance for Justice
6. Supreme Court Preview: What Is in Store for October Term 2026?
7. Factbox-Top cases on the US Supreme Court’s docket | 93.3 The Drive
8. Factbox-Top cases on the US Supreme Court’s docket | 102.7 WBOW …
9. Factbox-Top cases on the US Supreme Court’s docket By Reuters
10. The Federalist's Guide To The 2026 Supreme Court Term