Terrorist aid: The Supreme Court will consider whether portions of a law making it a crime to provide “material support or resources” to designated terrorist groups are unconstitutionally vague. The law, frequently used by federal prosecutors since Sept. 11, 2001, bars financial and other aid to any group designated a terrorist organization. The individuals and groups that challenged the law argued that it prohibits aid to lawful, nonviolent activities of designated organizations.
Immigrant care: The court will decide whether the family of a now-deceased immigrant who was denied medical care for cancer while in custody can sue federal medical officials for damages. The case could have far-reaching implications for doctors, nurses and other medical personnel working for governments.
Sex-offender penalties: The court will hear a dispute over when new, harsher penalties can be given to sex offenders who don’t register with state sex-offender databases.
Human rights: The court will decide whether to throw out a human-rights lawsuit against a former prime minister of Somalia who is accused of overseeing killings and other atrocities. The issue is whether a federal law gives the former official, Mohamed Ali Samantar, immunity from lawsuits in U.S. courts.
