Supreme Rulings by Subtraction

English: West face of the United States Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. Español: Edificio de la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos en Washington, D.C. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The United States Supreme Court ended its 2015-16 session minus one justice with the death of Antonin Scalia, but still managed to make some important decisions.  Here are some of the most recent:

• On a 5-3 vote, the Court voided a Texas law that said abortion providers and their doctors had to adhere to hospital-like standards for admitting patients.  Similar laws that made getting abortions more difficult for the sake of women's health are on the books in several states.  This is the biggest win for pro-choicers since Roe v. Wade.
• On a 4-4 vote, the justices failed to decide on President Barack Obama's immigration policy, thus letting stand a lower court's ruling that could mean difficulty getting work permits and possible deportation for five million undocumented immigrants.  While this is a major defeat for Obama's legacy, this serves as a major campaign issue (if it isn't one already) for Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.  However, the vote in Britain to get out of the European Union may have changed things as far as feelings about keeping the border open is concerned.
• On a 6-2 vote, the Court ruled that those convicted of domestic violence charges could not own firearms.  That doesn't mean they won't be able to acquire them illegally and do harm, but it's a start.

As we mentioned, the Supreme Court is currently working with one justice short.  It's likely to remain that way for most of the next term because Merrick Garland, Obama's choice to be the ninth justice, is in limbo while the GOP-controlled Senate twiddles its thumbs awaiting the election of a new President.  Preferably someone from their own party, even if it turns out to be Trump.

Until then, though, the remaining eight justices of the Supreme Court (unless there's another death or retirement) will just have to do their jobs with what they've got.