To improve the administration of justice by requiring written explanations by the Supreme Court of its decisions and the disclosure of votes by justices in cases within the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court that involve injunctive relief, and other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · May 22, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2024 requires the Supreme Court to publish written explanations and disclose how each justice voted whenever the Court issues orders granting, denying, or vacating injunctive relief or stays in cases on appeal. The bill targets what critics call the "shadow docket"—emergency orders issued without the typical briefing and oral arguments that accompany regular decisions. The legislation exempts administrative and scheduling orders as well as certiorari petitions from these requirements. The Federal Judicial Center must submit compliance reports to Congress beginning April 1 of the first year after enactment and every two years thereafter, with the option to request additional time for the initial report. The bill does not change the substantive legal standards the Court applies or modify its jurisdiction under existing law.
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