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SCOTUSblog: The Premier Source for Supreme Court Coverage
Overview and History
SCOTUSblog is an independent legal news website that provides comprehensive coverage of the United States Supreme Court. Founded in 2002 by Tom Goldstein and Amy Howe, the blog has become the go-to resource for lawyers, journalists, academics, and anyone interested in following the Court's activities. Originally created as a marketing tool for Goldstein & Howe, P.C., the blog quickly evolved into a respected journalistic enterprise that maintains strict editorial independence.
Content and Features
Live Coverage
SCOTUSblog is renowned for its real-time coverage of Supreme Court proceedings. The site provides live blogs during oral arguments, offering minute-by-minute updates and analysis. This includes detailed reporting on the justices' questions, attorneys' responses, and the overall dynamics of the courtroom proceedings.
Case Analysis
The blog features in-depth analysis of pending cases, written by legal experts including former Supreme Court clerks, law professors, and practicing attorneys. These analyses break down complex legal issues into accessible language while maintaining academic rigor.
Breaking News
When the Supreme Court releases opinions, SCOTUSblog provides immediate coverage and analysis. The site's "Live Blog of Orders and Opinions" has become essential viewing for Court watchers on decision days, offering real-time updates as opinions are released.
Statistical Analysis
SCOTUSblog maintains comprehensive statistics about the Court's work, including tracking the number of cases granted review, the timing of opinions, and voting patterns among justices. The site's statistical analysis provides valuable insights into the Court's operations and trends.
Key Contributors
The blog features contributions from a diverse group of legal experts:
- Tom Goldstein: Co-founder and publisher, former Supreme Court advocate
- Amy Howe: Co-founder and editor, experienced Supreme Court practitioner
- John Elwood: Regular contributor focusing on statutory interpretation and administrative law
- Erwin Chemerinsky: Dean of UC Berkeley School of Law and constitutional law expert
- Ronald Mann: Professor at Columbia Law School specializing in business law
- Adam Feldman: Creator of the Empirical SCOTUS blog, providing statistical analysis
- Adam White: Senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute focusing on administrative law
Recent Coverage Examples
Recent articles demonstrate the breadth of SCOTUSblog's coverage:
- Oral Argument Live Blogs: Real-time coverage of cases like Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump
- Legal Interpretation: Analysis of terms like "Election Day" and their legal implications
- Amicus Briefs: Examination of the role and impact of friend-of-the-court briefs
- Military Contractors: Coverage of cases involving legal protections for contractors in war zones
- Presidential Powers: Analysis of cases testing the limits of executive authority
Impact and Recognition
SCOTUSblog has received numerous awards and recognition for its journalism, including the Peabody Award in 2013 for its coverage of the Affordable Care Act cases. The site is regularly cited by major news organizations and is considered essential reading for Supreme Court practitioners and observers.
The blog's commitment to non-partisan, accurate reporting has made it a trusted source in an increasingly polarized legal and political environment. Its comprehensive approach to Supreme Court coverage—combining breaking news, expert analysis, and statistical insights—has set the standard for legal journalism in the digital age.
Technical Features
SCOTUSblog maintains several specialized resources:
- Case Pages: Detailed information for every case before the Court
- Docket Search: Searchable database of Supreme Court cases
- Merits Cases: Comprehensive tracking of cases granted review
- Petitions to Watch: Analysis of certiorari petitions that merit attention
- Stat Pack: Detailed statistical analysis of the Court's term
The site's clean design and intuitive navigation make complex legal information accessible to both legal professionals and the general public, fulfilling its mission to demystify the Supreme Court and its work.
The prompt for this was: scotusblog
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