SCOTUS Takes On Health Care Reform

Beginning today, the Supreme Court will hear the hotly-anticipated oral arguments on health care reform. In November 2011, the Court granted review of three separate Circuit Court of Appeals decisions related to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with each review limited to particular questions and issues. Orders and case filings are available on the Court’s website at http://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/PPAACA.aspx.

How big is the health care reform case? Big enough that Court-watchers began lining up on Friday for tickets to first round of questioning. So big, in fact, that the Court is taking the unusual step of releasing the written transcripts and argument audio even earlier than normal. In a press release, the Court promises: “The audio recordings and transcripts of the March 26-28 morning sessions should be available no later than 2 p.m. The recording and transcript of the March 28 afternoon session should be available no later than 4 p.m.” The materials will be posted to http://www.supremecourt.gov. SCOTUS typically releases argument transcripts by close of business on the same day.

The OYEZ Project, another source for Supreme Court audio and case filings, also has a special page dedicated to the health care reform case, which may be a helpful link in the event of Supreme Court server overload.

To learn more about locating Supreme Court materials, check out our research guide to the U.S. Supreme Court or Ask a Librarian.