SCOTUS Summer 2025: 6 Supreme Court Rulings That Will Change Your Life

 

🔔 SCOTUS Summer 2025: 6 Supreme Court Rulings That Will Change Your Life

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024–25 term came to a powerful close in June 2025, with its final opinions released on June 25. But this wasn’t just another legal term—it was a turning point. Whether you're a parent, a tech user, a teacher, a business owner, or someone concerned about water quality or religious freedoms—these rulings touch your daily life.

Let’s walk through six of the most impactful decisions, verified through SCOTUSblog, Ballotpedia, and other reputable sources, to understand what just happened—and what it means for the road ahead.

1. United States v. Skrmetti (Decided June 18, 2025 – Vote: 6–3)

In a deeply divisive ruling, the Court upheld Tennessee’s law that bans minors from accessing gender-affirming medical care like puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized “medical uncertainty” and argued this is a legislative, not judicial, decision.

The dissent, written by Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson, pushed back fiercely. They claimed the ruling allows discriminatory policies under the guise of medical discretion, putting trans youth at significant risk by treating their healthcare needs as optional.

Why it matters: This opens the door for over 20 states to enact or enforce similar bans, solidifying a patchwork of healthcare access across the U.S. Transgender youth now face drastically different futures depending on where they live.

2. Garland v. VanDerStok (Decided March 26, 2025 – Vote: 7–2)

In a somewhat surprising coalition, the Court upheld an ATF rule requiring background checks and serial numbers for gun kits that can be used to build “ghost guns”—untraceable weapons assembled at home.

Justice Gorsuch, writing for the majority and joined by the Court's liberals and Justice Kavanaugh, reasoned that regulating these kits falls within the ATF’s legal authority. Justices Thomas and Alito dissented, warning the rule stretches the meaning of existing gun laws.

Why it matters: This is a significant win for gun safety advocates. Law enforcement now has more tools to trace weapons used in crimes, and it marks a rare instance of bipartisan agreement on firearm regulation.

3. TikTok Inc. v. Garland (Decided January 17, 2025 – Vote: 9–0)

The Court unanimously ruled that Congress has the right to require TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the app—or face a U.S. ban by January 2026.

Although the justices agreed on the ruling, some, including Justices Sotomayor and Gorsuch, added concurring opinions to stress that this decision is about foreign ownership and national security—not content regulation or censorship.

Why it matters: With this landmark decision, the future of TikTok in the U.S. hangs in the balance. It also sets a precedent that could reshape how the U.S. handles foreign-owned tech and user data, especially when national security is involved.

4. Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Bd. v. Drummond (Decided May 22, 2025 – Vote: 4–4)

This case produced no majority opinion due to a tie vote, as Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself. The result? The Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision to block public funding for a Catholic virtual charter school was upheld.

But because there was no majority opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court, no national precedent was set.

Why it matters: While religious charter schools using public funds remain a legal gray area nationally, for now, states like Oklahoma can reject such proposals. Voucher programs may still find their way into these debates, but the broader issue of religion and public education funding remains unresolved.

5. City & County of San Francisco v. EPA (Decided March 4, 2025 – Vote: 5–4)

The Court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency cannot include vague mandates like “always comply” in water pollution permits. Justice Alito, writing for the majority, said the Clean Water Act demands specificity, not ambiguity.

The liberal justices dissented, arguing that this ruling weakens environmental protections by allowing municipalities to avoid accountability due to imprecise language.

Why it matters: This decision limits the EPA’s power, possibly giving cities more leeway in how they manage wastewater and pollution. Expect a wave of litigation as environmental groups test what the ruling means for real-world water safety.

6. Catholic Charities Bureau v. Wisconsin (Decided June 5, 2025 – Vote: 9–0)

In a rare unanimous ruling, the Court sided with Catholic Charities against Wisconsin’s decision to revoke its tax-exempt status. The state argued that Catholic Charities’ work was too secular to qualify as religious activity.

Justice Sotomayor, writing for the Court, disagreed. She made clear that even when faith-based organizations offer public services like healthcare or foster care, they still retain their First Amendment rights to religious protection.

Why it matters: This bolsters protections for religious nonprofits across the country. More faith-based groups may now qualify for tax exemptions—even when their work overlaps with public services.

🌐 What This Term Really Tells Us

This term revealed a few core truths about the current Supreme Court:

State power is growing, especially in culture war issues like healthcare, education, and environment.

Religious liberty remains a stronghold, even in the face of modern secular interpretations.

Tech regulation is tightening, with bipartisan interest in managing foreign influence and digital privacy.

Environmental protections are being redefined, and the federal role is shrinking in some areas.

The rulings didn’t fall neatly along ideological lines in every case. Unanimity on TikTok and Catholic Charities shows a willingness to unite when national security or First Amendment rights are at stake. But deep divisions remain—especially on issues like gender, guns, and government overreach.

With voting rights, immigration, and AI-related issues on the horizon for the 2025–26 term, the nation’s highest court is poised to remain a central force in American life heading into the next election cycle.

📚 Sources Consulted:

SCOTUSblog.com

Wikipedia.org

Ballotpedia.org

Becket Fund for Religious Liberty