Yale Law Grad Daria Rose Breaks Down Supreme Court Case That Could Limit Judges’ Powers Nationwide

by Gee NY

The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deciding whether to take away one of the most powerful tools federal judges use to stop presidential actions, and legal expert Daria Rose, a Yale Law School graduate, says the outcome could change the way laws are blocked in America.

In a recent Instagram explainer, Rose broke down the complex case in simple terms, focusing on what are called nationwide injunctions—court orders that stop a law or executive action across the entire country.

What Are Nationwide Injunctions?

“These are rulings made by just one federal judge,” Rose said, “but they apply everywhere in the U.S.—not just in that judge’s state or courtroom.” That means if a judge in Wisconsin doesn’t like a president’s policy, they can block it nationwide.

This tool has been used more often in recent years. Rose pointed out that former President Donald Trump faced more of these injunctions than any president before him, sparking debate across political lines. Even President Obama didn’t support them, she added.

Why the Court Is Now Taking a Closer Look

Daria Rose
Daria Rose. Image Credit: @darilynmonrosee on Instagram

The case before the Supreme Court is linked to Trump’s executive order that tried to limit birthright citizenship, but the justices are focusing less on that and more on whether judges should be able to block a president’s policy for the entire country with a single ruling.

Rose explained that critics of nationwide injunctions believe they give too much power to individual judges. Others say they lead to “forum shopping,” where people file lawsuits in areas where they know the judges might agree with them politically.

“If someone wants to fight for civil rights, they’re more likely to file in San Francisco than a more conservative area like Beaumont, Texas,” she said.

What the Justices Are Saying

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United States Supreme Court

The justices seemed split.

  • Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested that people affected by the law could file a class action lawsuit instead.
  • Justice Samuel Alito and Justice Clarence Thomas appeared ready to get rid of nationwide injunctions altogether.
  • But Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor warned that doing so could create chaos—where a law is allowed in one state but blocked in another.

“That would mean you might have birthright citizenship in New York, but not in Florida,” Rose said, explaining the confusing patchwork that could result.

What Happens If the Court Limits This Power?

If the Supreme Court decides to limit or remove the ability for judges to issue nationwide injunctions, Rose says it will become much harder for regular people to fight unfair laws. “You’d have to go to court on your own, hire a lawyer, and pay for everything. And that’s not realistic for most families.”

The justices are expected to issue a decision by the end of their term. Rose believes they may not get rid of nationwide injunctions entirely, but will likely put new limits on when and how they can be used.

“The justice system is one of the last branches holding the line against unconstitutional acts,” she said. “If that power is taken away, it would be a major win for presidential power.”

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