English: The inscription Equal Justice Under Law as seen on the frieze of the United States Supreme Court building (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the Supreme Court’s final week of the season upon us, several high profile decisions will likely be rendered — many of which will no doubt have major ramifications in the future.  I think I have an idea of what they’ll do; and I believe the following is going to be announced in short order:

Affirmative Action: While I don’t agree with it, it’s true that people of color are NOT on equal footing.  Despite having a Black Commander-in-Chief, people of color still earn, on average, 64 cents on the dollar compared to their white, similarly credentialed counterparts.  I agree that race can never be a BFOQ, so until this problem is solved, I believe minorities deserve special protection.  I expect this to be upheld.

Voting Rights:  Drawing from above, it’s obvious that discrimination still exists — even in the 21st Century.  I expect Federal Oversight in areas that discrimination is historical will continue.  I expect this to be upheld.

Same-Sex Marriage:  Probably the hottest item for the news this season for the Supreme Court, and one I care about too, is Same-Sex Marriage.  Generally, the Court has ruled in favor of civil rights historically — but one with such a broad re-definition of the legal rights involved in marriage and benefits I think is unprecedented.  I see the following happening relating to Same-sex Marriage:

– DOMA will be ruled unconstitutional.  It’s a discriminatory law, and I believe a violation of the Equal Protection Clause — so I expect it to be dissolved; which brings us to the next item in the ruling:

– California’s Proposition 8:  I expect this to be upheld.  I expect the Supreme Court’s majority opinion to be that that Same-sex marriage should be a States’ Rights issue, and allow States to determine the law when it comes to redefining marriage — allowing States to keep laws on the books that allow for it, and those who have laws against it to do so as well.  That said, I also believe that, in accordance with DOMA being wiped out, that those who are married, Same-sex or otherwise in States that allow it, will now be entitled to receive Federal benefits.

These are just conjecture — based off my experience and personal expectations.  Take them as you will.

Related articles

• California Waits for Same-Sex Marriage Decision (nbcnewyork.com)
• Nation’s High Court poised for a week of high-stakes rulings (fox6now.com)
• Prop. 8 /DOMA Supreme Court Watch: No Decision Today; Monday is Next Possibility (blogs.kqed.org)
• Prop. 8 at the Supreme Court: What You Need to Know (blogs.kqed.org)
• Supreme Court has range of options on gay marriage (kvue.com)
• No Prop 8/DOMA Supreme Court Decisions–Watch Continues on Thursday (blogs.kqed.org)
• Supreme Court to rule on DOMA (wcpo.com)
• Alaska Couples Await Supreme Court Decision On DOMA, Prop 8 (alaskapublic.org)
• Gay marriage opponents gear up for Supreme Court rulings, possible constitutional challenge (salon.com)