Supreme Court Reform: New Appeals and Judicial Review Rules
This bill changes how federal courts handle cases, shifting many Supreme Court functions to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. Citizens might see changes in where and how quickly their cases are heard, especially those involving federal laws or the Constitution. It also introduces new rules for nationwide injunctions and requires written explanations for certain court decisions.
Key points
Most appeals previously heard by the Supreme Court will now be handled by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
A special, rotating panel of 13 judges will be established within the D.C. Circuit to hear cases involving the federal government, constitutional interpretation, and federal law.
Decisions declaring laws unconstitutional will require a supermajority vote of at least 70% of the judges on the special panel.
Nationwide injunctions will be automatically transferred to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals for review.
Courts will be required to publish written explanations for decisions that reverse lower court rulings, increasing transparency.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_4124
Sponsor: Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]
Process start date: 2025-06-25