Today’s Most Interesting Line-Up

Today the Court issued two traditional 5-4 decisions — Shelby County (the Voting Rights Act case) and Koontz (see here and here). It did not issue either gay marriage decision. It did, however, release Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl, a case with an interesting line-up. Justice Alito, writing for the Court, held that the relevant provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act do not bar the termination of parental rights. Justice Alito was joined by the Chief Justice and Justices Kennedy, Thomas, and Breyer. Justices Thomas and Breyer each filed concurring opinions. Justice Sotomayor wrote a dissent, joined by Justices Ginsburg and Kagan, and Scalia in part. And Justice Scalia also wrote a separate solo dissent.

This leaves three to go — the two same-sex marriage cases and a Hobbs Act case.

UPDATE: SCOTUSBlog reports the final opinions will come down tomorrow.

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