US Supreme Court Limits Federal Judges’ Powers

US Supreme Court Restricts Federal Judges’ Injunction Powers

Why in News ?

The US Supreme Court ruled to limit the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, impacting legal blocks against Trump’s birthright citizenship order. While the policy wasn’t enforced immediately, the court asked lower courts to reconsider their broad injunctions, marking a major legal win for the administration.

US Supreme Court Limits Federal Judges' Powers

About Supreme Court’s Ruling and Legal Impact:

  • The 6-3 ruling was authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
  • The decision narrows the scope of nationwide injunctions that federal judges can issue.
  • It affects three injunctions issued in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington.
  • The Court of Arbitration did not rule on the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order nor allowed it to take effect immediately.
  • Barrett emphasized that judges cannot exercise unrestricted authority, even when the Executive violates the law.

Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

  • Issued on his first day back in office, Trump’s executive order denied citizenship to US-born children unless at least one parent is a citizen or green card holder.
  • This aimed to reverse birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.
  • Over 1,50,000 newborns annually could be denied citizenship if implemented.
  • Plaintiffs include 22 Democratic Attorneys General, immigrant rights groups, and pregnant immigrants.

Dissent and Reactions

  • Justice Sonia Sotomayor (with two liberal justices) dissented, criticizing the majority for not evaluating the order’s legality.
  • She stressed that universal injunctions are essential when government actions are patently unlawful.
  • Donald Trump celebrated the verdict as a “GIANT WIN” on Truth Social, reflecting broader Republican support for curbing judicial oversight.