On the Supreme Court’s docket

Here are the top cases that the Supreme Court is expected to decide in the next two weeks:

California’s Proposition 8: Does the California ballot measure limiting marriage to a man and a woman deny same-sex couples their right to the equal protection of the laws? (Hollingsworth vs. Perry)

Married gay couples: Is part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional because it denies tax breaks and other benefits to legally married same-sex couples? (United States vs. Windsor)

Affirmative action: Can a state university give an edge to black and Latino students seeking admission, or does this violate a white student’s right to equal protection of the laws? The court will decide whether to limit affirmative action on campuses. (Fisher vs. University of Texas)

Voting rights: Is the part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that requires Southern states and localities to seek federal approval before changing their election laws outdated and unconstitutional? (Shelby County vs. Holder)

Citizen voters: Can Arizona require that would-be voters show proof they are U.S. citizens when they try to register? The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said this state requirement went beyond the rules set by the federal Motor Voter Act. (Arizona vs. InterTribal Council)

Brand vs. generic: Can the maker of a brand-name drug make a deal with a potential competitor to keep a low-cost generic version off the market for a time, or does such a “pay for delay” deal violate antitrust laws? (Federal Trade Commission vs. Actavis)

Generic drugs: Can a patient who suffers horrible injuries from a generic drug, including burns and eye damage, sue the manufacturer for selling a dangerous and defective product? (Mutual Pharmaceutical vs. Bartlett)

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