When the same or nearly the same Court reverses itself, it is admitting that its own recent reasoning was flawed, and that is institutionally painful. The Court is built to resist that kind of self‑indictment. The fastest or shortest full overruling by the same Court (same justices) so far has been three years and that occurred in 1943 when the Court overturned Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) --- a total disaster — legally, socially, morally, and practically — and the same nine justices saw the consequences of their own ruling unfold in real time. "Gobitis" was a compulsory‑patriotism case about whether public schools could force children to salute the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance — even when doing so violated their religious beliefs. In its reversal (West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette), the Court decided that the government cannot compel students to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The case established the modern doctrine of compelled‑speech protection under the First Amendment or, prohibiting the government from forcing individuals or groups to express, endorse, or affirm messages they disagree with. Historically, of course, Supreme Courts have reversed decisions by other Supreme Courts, but when you restrict the analysis to the same or nearly identical membership, and true overrulings (not mere narrowing), the mean reversal time falls between 5 and 10 years, with a median around 6–7 years. However, looking back at the Court's history the actual numbers are not encouraging:
I'd like to know what Kica thinks of a plan for when (not if) the climate crisis causes mass efforts for immigration world wide? If people can't feed themselves, or natural disasters keep destroying their homes, of course they try to move.
I don't understand how a candidate for the supreme court could blatantly lie during their confirmation and NOT be removed. They are supposed to be the most upstanding justices in our country.
Joyce, sorry to say I missed this. Will there be a vid available, post event? BTW keep doing what you're doing, not only keeping is informed, but also educating us and giving us hope. Love your book!
I want to thank both of you for the 5 questions and the follow-up. Thanks to Kica for pointing out what we CAN do. As the school year ends for many, it's even more important to help. Groceries, childcare, taking people to healthcare appointments, etc. One of the easiest and best things that combines a few is helping to get BOOKS into everyone's hands. Find your local book bank. Volunteer there. Donate old books to book banks, schools and childcare centers.
What happens to those with green cards who haven't taken their oath of citizenship?
This administration focuses on harming and deporting undocumented immigrants. How can we focus on improving the immigration system so that individuals can become US citizens. How many lawyers are there currently and how many do you estimate we need? Homan says there are 20 million undocumented individuals, yet I read that there are between 11 and 14 million (per the Pew Research center) as of 2024. What is the actual number?
Kimberly, are you familiar with how the system works? The green card and then the oath? We'll never know the true number because of how so many come illegally/overstay their temporary stay if they're here for college/med school, etc. It's how the system was built.
The assault on Minneapolis, including what I considered murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, is painfully fresh in memory. But, at least Noem is gone. Can you talk about how the U.S. immigration system is working today? There have been so many events to distract us from the "disappearing" of innocent people by masked federal agents. Has that declined? It was also in Minnesota, I think, that some exhausted lawyer (for the government) told a judge something to the effect of, "I just can't." That was back when we were also seeing examples of the gov't pretty much ignoring due process. Is that situation better? THANK YOU
Is the Trump administration engaging in what amounts to ethnic cleansing? Are white undocumented immigrants being rounded up as well as those “of color”?
What is happening with all those people being held illegally by ICE / DHS ?
I've seen reports of Judges ordering releases in some cases, but there are thousands being held in disgusting, disgraceful facilities WITH NO DUE PROCESS - a total violation of our Constitution and laws.
I am also a scuba diver. I got certified at age 53 and I did my last dive at age 77. It is truly remarkable floating through the water looking at all the interesting marine life and just feeling at one with a completely different universe.
Has the Supreme Court ever reversed a decision soon after ruling?
I hope that someone answers.
When the same or nearly the same Court reverses itself, it is admitting that its own recent reasoning was flawed, and that is institutionally painful. The Court is built to resist that kind of self‑indictment. The fastest or shortest full overruling by the same Court (same justices) so far has been three years and that occurred in 1943 when the Court overturned Minersville School District v. Gobitis (1940) --- a total disaster — legally, socially, morally, and practically — and the same nine justices saw the consequences of their own ruling unfold in real time. "Gobitis" was a compulsory‑patriotism case about whether public schools could force children to salute the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance — even when doing so violated their religious beliefs. In its reversal (West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette), the Court decided that the government cannot compel students to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The case established the modern doctrine of compelled‑speech protection under the First Amendment or, prohibiting the government from forcing individuals or groups to express, endorse, or affirm messages they disagree with. Historically, of course, Supreme Courts have reversed decisions by other Supreme Courts, but when you restrict the analysis to the same or nearly identical membership, and true overrulings (not mere narrowing), the mean reversal time falls between 5 and 10 years, with a median around 6–7 years. However, looking back at the Court's history the actual numbers are not encouraging:
Total SCOTUS decisions: ~29,000
Total explicit overrulings: ~236
Percentage: ≈0.8%
What do you think will happen with the case where the green card holders are suing the Trump administration for stagnated citizenship process ?
https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-04-28/green-card-holders-sue-trump-administration-over-stagnated-citizenship-decisions
Sorry, I can't join you tomorrow as I have acupuncture at 12 noon. My health comes first.
Glad you are prioritizing that, and you can watch the video I'll send around after. Hope you feel better soon.
Thanks! I finally finished your book and enjoyed it! I'm getting frustrated with what is going on however, trying not to give up!
Enjoy the bliss of acupuncture!
Thanks!
I'd like to know what Kica thinks of a plan for when (not if) the climate crisis causes mass efforts for immigration world wide? If people can't feed themselves, or natural disasters keep destroying their homes, of course they try to move.
I don't understand how a candidate for the supreme court could blatantly lie during their confirmation and NOT be removed. They are supposed to be the most upstanding justices in our country.
The media isn’t telling us what’s really happening with ICE and immigration. Can you??
This is a great questions and we will take it up!
As I’m the west coast I’ll be joining for what hobbits call second breakfast. See you online soon.
We call it second breakfast at my house too!
Joyce, sorry to say I missed this. Will there be a vid available, post event? BTW keep doing what you're doing, not only keeping is informed, but also educating us and giving us hope. Love your book!
It's tomorrow (tuesday)
I want to thank both of you for the 5 questions and the follow-up. Thanks to Kica for pointing out what we CAN do. As the school year ends for many, it's even more important to help. Groceries, childcare, taking people to healthcare appointments, etc. One of the easiest and best things that combines a few is helping to get BOOKS into everyone's hands. Find your local book bank. Volunteer there. Donate old books to book banks, schools and childcare centers.
What happens to those with green cards who haven't taken their oath of citizenship?
Looking forward! Getting caught up with Sisters In Law today.
This administration focuses on harming and deporting undocumented immigrants. How can we focus on improving the immigration system so that individuals can become US citizens. How many lawyers are there currently and how many do you estimate we need? Homan says there are 20 million undocumented individuals, yet I read that there are between 11 and 14 million (per the Pew Research center) as of 2024. What is the actual number?
Kimberly, are you familiar with how the system works? The green card and then the oath? We'll never know the true number because of how so many come illegally/overstay their temporary stay if they're here for college/med school, etc. It's how the system was built.
The assault on Minneapolis, including what I considered murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, is painfully fresh in memory. But, at least Noem is gone. Can you talk about how the U.S. immigration system is working today? There have been so many events to distract us from the "disappearing" of innocent people by masked federal agents. Has that declined? It was also in Minnesota, I think, that some exhausted lawyer (for the government) told a judge something to the effect of, "I just can't." That was back when we were also seeing examples of the gov't pretty much ignoring due process. Is that situation better? THANK YOU
Is the Trump administration engaging in what amounts to ethnic cleansing? Are white undocumented immigrants being rounded up as well as those “of color”?
What is happening with all those people being held illegally by ICE / DHS ?
I've seen reports of Judges ordering releases in some cases, but there are thousands being held in disgusting, disgraceful facilities WITH NO DUE PROCESS - a total violation of our Constitution and laws.
What will it take for democrats to stop playing nice?
I am also a scuba diver. I got certified at age 53 and I did my last dive at age 77. It is truly remarkable floating through the water looking at all the interesting marine life and just feeling at one with a completely different universe.