SCOTUS Opens 2025-2026 Term

October is a month of spooks and spirits and all kinds of scary things. It ends with Halloween but begins with the opening of the Supreme Court of the United States for the year. 

The Supreme Court opens each year on the first Monday in October (there’s even a movie by that name). The term officially lasts until the Sunday before the first Monday, but the Court usually begins a recess in late June/early July, which lasts until October. Thus, this term the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) began on October 6, 2025 and will end in the summer of 2026. One of the first things the Court does is to announce the schedule of the cases filed last year that they did not review. 

To be heard by SCOTUS, a participant of a case dissatisfied with the lower court’s decision must file a petition. A case appearing before SCOTUS is not automatic; in fact, they only hear about 100 cases out of 7,000 petitioned. On Mondays, SCOTUS announces a list of which cases it will hear and which cases are denied a hearing. For example, SCOTUS recently rejected petitions by Ghislaine Maxwell and Alex Jones to have their cases reviewed. Then the accepted cases are put on the Court's docket. Usually, the justices hear oral arguments three days a week, and two cases are heard each of those days. The justices discuss the cases together at a conference held twice a week. After voting on a case, one justice is assigned to write the majority opinion, and one justice is assigned to write the dissenting opinion. The decision in a case is usually not disclosed immediately and is often not released until the last day of the Court. 

The docket for the current week can be found here. 

Lists of cases accepted or denied hearing can be found here. 

Calendars of cases to be heard in October and November can be found here. 

Kelley Center’s Research Guide on Law and Legal Information can be found here. 

Short course on using Nexis Uni to research legal information registration. 

Short course on using Westlaw to research legal information registration.

New 2024 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) data released

JULY 24, 2025 — The U.S. Census Bureau today released data from the 2024 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP) detailing the income and assistance program participation of individuals and households in the United States.

The SIPP is a longitudinal survey, one that collects data from the same individuals over an extended period of time and measures changes in characteristics like economic well-being, family dynamics, education, assets, health insurance, child care, and food security. 

Rice Kelley Center Student Staff At the UN Center in Bangkok Thailand

 

The following post were written by Allyse Volpe (Rice MGA, 2024) while attending the 12th USLS Symposium hosted by Humanitarian Affairs Asia at the United Nations Center in Bangkok. 

...

At the start of August 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the 12th annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) hosted by Humanitarian Affairs Asia in collaboration with the United Nations. Five hundred delegates from around the world centralized at the United Nations Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, to learn from distinguished global change makers, create meaningful connections, and serve local communities. As a Rice University and Master of Global Affairs representative, I felt a personal connection to make the most of the opportunity I was given.

Humanitarian Affairs Asia was founded following the events of 9/11 in 2001 when founder Kim Solomon reflected on the catastrophic events he witnessed in New York City. "If one man could create that much death and destruction, why can't one person inspire that same level of change?" This question remains central to Humanitarian Affairs Asia and prompted the USLS Conference over the past 12 years. Throughout the four-day Symposium, major themes echoed in the messages of the speakers, reflecting the inspiring message of Mr. Solomon: 

Compassionate leadership: There are two types of leadership, positional and real. The latter encompasses empathy, openness of communication, physical and mental well-being, inclusion, integrity, and respect. The common misconception regards compassion as weakness; however, recognizing the needs and feelings of other is more effective and efficient to addressing problems. Being humble enough to ask "Why?" opens the doors for productive discussion and brings humanity back into focus. 

The world needs action, not opinions: In a world ruled by social media, with infinite opinions posted online every second, making real change requires risk and execution. Raising awareness is never the end goal, it is simply a stepping stone towards doing what is required. Once you discover your voice, share what you have to say and turn those words into reality. People follow people, so leverage the skills you have, to act and empower those around you. 

Energy is your most valuable currency: Real changemakers show up at 100% every day and are mindful off how they invest their energy. A Harvard Study by Richard Farson and Ralph Keyes found that the number one attribute of failed leaders is their lack of energy and enthusiasm; therefore, leading with optimism is pinnacle motivating the people around you. Most importantly, do not waste your efforts on individuals trying to tear you down. While you can't always control the people around you, you have a choice to choose the people you surround yourself with. Like flowers and plants, people lead towards the light, so be the Sun.  

Locating Congressionally Mandated Reports

 

Join The Library of Congress Law Library on January 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. EST for their latest Lunch and Learn webinar, “Locating Congressionally Mandated Reports.” This webinar is the latest installment in the Law Library’s lunchtime learning program. Earlier webinars in this series have covered federal legislative history research, the Law Library’s historical legal reports, and treaty research.

This presentation will answer several questions about congressionally mandated reports, including:

1. What is a congressionally mandated report?
2. Why do federal agencies write these reports?
3. Where do these reports go after they are written?
4. How do I know if a report was submitted to Congress?
5. How do I locate copies of these reports?

This webinar will also include live demonstrations and recommendations on when and how to consult the National Archives, commercial publications, or online resources to find these materials.

Information provided by the Library of Congress Law Library.

Remembering Jimmy Carter: Explore Presidential and Historical Government Resources at Fondren Library

    

(Official White House photograph, 

Schumacher, Karl, photographer)

 The nation mourns the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died on December 29, 2024 at his home in Plains, Georgia. At 100 years old, President Carter was the longest-lived president in American history. His legacy extends beyond his presidency, marked by significant diplomatic efforts and humanitarian work through The Carter Center, the nonprofit he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, founded. His life of public service and commitment to peace and human rights continue to inspire people worldwide.

    For those interested in learning more about Jimmy Carter's presidency and contributions, Fondren Library offers a wealth of resources. As part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), Fondren provides access to comprehensive collections of official federal government publications across three branches published in digital, paper, and microform formats.

    You are invited to delve deeper into the history of President Jimmy Carter and other pivotal moments in U.S. presidential history. Fondren Library is here to support your research and curiosity.

Explore These Resources:

• Presidential Libraries and Archives: Discover digitized materials and records from the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, offering insights into his domestic and foreign policies.
• American Presidency Project: Access presidential speeches, executive orders, and public papers through this extensive online resource. Explore here
• Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) Series: Examine the official documentary record of major U.S. foreign policy decisions, including those during Carter's administration.
• HeinOnline & ProQuest Congressional (Fondren Library subscription): Browse legislative materials, executive orders, and historical government publications related to Carter's presidency.
• Historical U.S. Federal Government Documents: Visit Fondren's LibGuide to access curated collections of historical federal documents. View here

Need Library Assistance?

    If you're interested in exploring these resources or need more guidance in navigating government documents, contact Anna Xiong, Government Information Coordinator and FDLP Representative:

• Email: jax2@rice.edu 
• Call: (713)348-6212
• Research guides: https://libguides.rice.edu/gov
• Free Classes: Register or Request
  
• FDLP blog: https://ricegovinfo.blogspot.com/
• In person: Rice University Fondren Library is a congressionally designated depository for U.S. Government documents. Public access to the government documents collection is guaranteed by public law. (Title 44 United States Code)  All patrons are welcome to browse our collection of Government documents in print, microform, or access government information digitally via library computers. Before your trip, make sure you read the Information for Kelley Center's Visitors.

 

The Power of Expertise: The Census Bureau Welcomes New Census Scientific Advisory Committee Members

 The U.S. Census Bureau recently announced the appointment of five new members to its Census Scientific Advisory Committee (CSAC). These distinguished professionals bring diverse expertise from fields like sociology, economics, disability research, and computer sciences to tackle critical challenges in census operations and data management.

Meet the New CSAC Members

The new appointees include:

Kristine J. Ajrouch: Research professor at the University of Michigan, focusing on group dynamics.

Sara Curran: Professor at the University of Washington with expertise in international studies, sociology, and public policy.

Andrew J. Houtenville: Economics professor and director of the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire.

Bonnielin K. Swenor: Endowed professor of Disability Health and Justice and director of the Disability Health Research Center at Johns Hopkins.

Jonathan Ullman: Associate professor at Northeastern University's Khoury College of Computer Sciences.

These new members will help shape the future of census programs, policies, and operations.

Why the Census Scientific Advisory Committee Matters
The Census Scientific Advisory Committee (CSAC) was established to address emerging challenges in census operations, including adaptive design, cybersecurity, and statistical research. The committee also provides guidance on the application of scientific advancements in various fields like:

• Survey methodology
• Geospatial and statistical analysis
• Cognitive psychology
• Econometrics
• Business operations
• Computer science

CSAC’s insights influence many aspects of Census Bureau activities, ensuring data accuracy and operational efficiency.

A Rich History of Advisory Excellence

The Census Bureau’s advisory tradition dates back to 1994 with the formation of the Census Advisory Committee of Professional Associations (CACPA). Re-chartered as CSAC in 2010, the committee now comprises up to 21 members from diverse disciplines.

CSAC has been instrumental in guiding landmark Census Bureau programs, including the decennial census, demographic studies, and economic surveys. The committee’s recommendations have shaped data collection techniques, statistical accuracy, and the accessibility of information for public use.

Accessing Census Bureau Information

The Census Bureau values transparency and public engagement. Access key materials from past CSAC meetings, including agendas, minutes, public comments, and recordings, to learn more about their work and recommendations. Stay informed about future meetings of the 2030 Census Advisory Committee. Meeting dates, agendas, and materials are regularly updated on the Census Bureau website.

• Access Census Bureau Response to Committee Recommendations (2018-Present)
• 2030 Census Advisory Committee Future Meeting Dates: [NOTE:  The future meeting dates could change due to unforeseen circumstances.  Should a change be necessary, updates will post as soon as possible.]

• Access the meeting agenda, meeting minutes, public comments and meeting recordings: 
  2024

Take a moment to explore the wealth of knowledge and resources available to us through their groundbreaking efforts.

[By Anna Xiong, Kelley Center]

New Government Resource for Researching Civil Rights

The National Archives and Records Administration has recently released the first documents in what will soon be a database of Civil Rights Cold Case Records.  Following the passage of the  Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act in 2019, previously unavailable civil rights cold cases from 1940 to 1979 will be made digitally accessible to the public.  The records will be released on a rolling basis and those released are currently available at the National Archives Catalog.  Eventually NARA will create the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Portal which will allow direct access to the information.  

The first records released concern the case of Hattie Debardelaben, a 46 year old Black mother and grandmother from Mulberry, Autauga County, Alabama.  On the night of March 23, 1945, white police officers conducted a warrantless search of Debardelaben's home, looking for bootleg whiskey.  The officers beat and arrested Debardelaben and her son.  Debardelaben died of her injuries in the back of the police car en route to the Prattville County Jail.  A coroner's inquest found that the officers had no legal responsibility in her death and no arrests have ever been made or trial held.

According to the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Act, records will be reviewed by the Civil Rights Cold Cases Review Board, which designates the records for potential digitalization and public access.  The release of the records is the result of a multi-year collaboration among the review board, the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

The Archivist of the United States, Dr. Colleen Shogan stated, "The release of these records, and the many more to come, will hopefully help foster a deeper understanding of our nation's civil rights history, provide friends and family transparency and closure, and help those impacted claim justice."

Hattie Debardelaben