ACLU v. United States

The ACLU is asking the Supreme Court to review a special national security court's decision that it could not hear the ACLU's claim for public access to important Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court opinions, with classified portions redacted. The main fight is whether the Supreme Court has power to review that decision and, if so, whether it can order review through mandamus (an order directing a court to act) or common-law certiorari (an older form of review).

No oral argument is scheduled yet, and no Supreme Court decision is available. The ACLU argues that the Court can review the lower court's jurisdiction decision and, if needed, use mandamus or common-law certiorari to require review.

The case could affect how much the public can learn about secret surveillance rulings that shape privacy and free speech rights. For example, journalists, civil liberties groups, and people affected by surveillance programs may want access to major legal opinions even if sensitive parts stay blacked out.

The next sign of movement would be oral argument being scheduled or another docket update from the Court. No decision window is available yet.

The ACLU wants Supreme Court review of a decision saying the FISA Court of Review lacked power to hear its public-access claim. That claim seeks access to significant FISA opinions with classified parts redacted.

It could shape how much the public learns about legal rules governing secret surveillance. That matters to reporters, advocacy groups, and people concerned about privacy and speech rights.

Watch for the Supreme Court to schedule oral argument or take another action on the petition. The record does not show a decision window yet.