Reviewing SCOTUS’ 2020-2021 term so far


The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020-2021 oral argument calendar is nearing its end, with 12 hours of oral arguments remaining to be heard during its April sitting and one hour of oral argument scheduled for its May sitting. 

From October through March, the court heard a total of 45 hours of oral arguments in 56 cases. Consolidated cases were allotted one hour total for oral arguments. The court’s argument schedule through March included:

  • October sitting
    • Time period: Oct. 5 through Oct. 14
    • Oral arguments heard: 10 hours in 12 cases
  • November sitting
    • Time period: Nov. 2 through Nov. 10
    • Oral arguments heard: 8 hours in 9 cases
  • December sitting
    • Time period: Nov. 30 through Dec. 9
    • Oral arguments heard: 10 hours in 12 cases
  • January sitting:
    • Time period: Jan. 11 through Jan. 19
    • Oral arguments heard: 5 hours in 6 cases
  • February sitting:
    • Time period: Feb. 22 through March 3
    • Oral arguments heard: 6 hours in 10 cases
  • March sitting:
    • Time period: March 22 through March 31
    • Oral arguments heard: 6 hours in 7 cases

During that time, all oral arguments were made remotely via teleconference with live audio streams provided during the argument sessions. The court instituted this practice in accordance with public health guidance in response to COVID-19, and it has announced the practice will continue through its April sitting. 

As of the end of March, the court had issued opinions in 25 cases this term. Five of those cases were decided without argument. The court generally announces the majority of its decisions in mid-June.

Additional Reading: