Criminal Procedure | 20 precedents

Twenty of those 85 cases focused on how crimes were investigated and prosecuted, including cases involving search and seizure, Miranda rights, plea bargaining and right to counsel.

In a 2012 case, Florence v. County of Burlington, the court ruled that officials may strip search people arrested for any offense, however minor, before admitting them to jails even if the officials have no reason to suspect the presence of contraband. A new liberal majority may be inclined to re-examine the case.

Economic Activity | 12 precedents

Twelve rulings affected how corporations and people conduct business, like rules for mergers, arbitration and environment protection.

In a 2011 case, AT&T Mobility v. Concepcion, a five-justice majority allowed companies to escape class actions by insisting on one-by-one arbitrations, even over trivial amounts, in standard-form contracts. A new liberal majority is most likely to be more sympathetic to plaintiffs wanting to avoid arbitration and pursue class actions.

First Amendment | 10 precedents

Ten cases involved rights related to the First Amendment, including obscenity, religion and campaign finance.

Many liberals are hoping a newly configured Supreme Court will reconsider Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a decision in 2010 that allowed unlimited spending by corporations and unions on elections.

Judicial Power | 11 precedents

Other rulings at risk were tied to issues that deal with how the courts use their power.

In 2009, a five-justice majority transformed civil litigation in the federal courts, allowing judges to more easily dismiss cases soon after they are filed. Liberals say the decision, Ashcroft v. Iqbal, makes it particularly hard to bring employment discrimination and civil rights suits, and they are hopeful that a liberal majority will reconsider or narrow it.

Civil Rights | 14 precedents

Fourteen cases had civil rights at their core, like rulings involving voting rights, affirmative action and deportation. However, one case has already been overturned by Congressional action or another may require assistance from Congress before a new Supreme Court majority could act.

In 2009, Congress passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act after the Supreme Court ruled in Ledbetter v. the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 imposed strict time limits for bringing workplace discrimination suits.