In a recent public event, Supreme Court Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Brett Kavanaugh found themselves at odds over the workings of the shadow docket, a term used to describe the expedited decisions made by the court without full briefing or oral argument. The debate highlighted the contentious nature of this less-transparent aspect of judicial proceedings. Critics argue it can lead to less scrutiny and hurried decisions, while proponents believe it's necessary for efficiency. More details on their points of contention can be found [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/03/scotus-justices-air-internal-debate-over-shadow-docket-at-public-event/).

In another legal battleground, Rutgers Law School is currently facing a lawsuit from a former dean who claims his dismissal was discriminatory. The ex-dean, who previously held a position focused on minority student affairs, is not only seeking reinstatement but also punitive damages, asserting that his termination was unjust and racially motivated. The full story is available [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/03/former-minority-student-dean-sues-rutgers-law-over-firing/).

On a different note, a recent report raises concerns about the effectiveness of the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act, as only two federal law clerks filed complaints against judges last year. This surprisingly low number prompts a debate between seeing it as a sign of progress or as evidence of a flawed process that fails to protect clerks from potential judicial misconduct. Insights into this issue are discussed [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/03/just-2-federal-law-clerks-filed-complaints-against-judges-last-year/).

Lastly, the legal community is buzzing with the lessons learned from the billion-dollar settlement between Moderna and Arbutus. The case, which centered on patent rights critical to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, underscores the significant impact of intellectual property law on public health and corporate finance. Key takeaways from this legal battle can be explored [here](https://abovethelaw.com/2026/03/super-settlement-spike/).

Each of these stories not only underscores the dynamic and often controversial nature of law but also serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing debates and legal reforms shaping our society.