History of SCOTUSblog in Timeline

SCOTUSblog is a widely respected law blog focusing on the Supreme Court of the United States. Written by legal professionals, it meticulously tracks cases from the certiorari stage to merits arguments, often providing information ahead of official sources. The blog is known for its live blogging of opinions and grants, comprehensive coverage of argued cases, and hosting symposiums with legal experts. It also maintains an archive of briefs and documents for each case, serving as a valuable resource for legal professionals and those interested in the Supreme Court's activities.

October 1, 2002: Blog's First Post

On October 1, 2002, SCOTUSblog published its first post. It was founded by Tom Goldstein and Amy Howe as a means of promoting their law firm.

February 7, 2005: Blog moved to current address

On February 7, 2005, the blog moved to its current address.

2006: Military Commissions Act of 2006

In 2006, The Military Commissions Act was passed, and the Supreme Court announced it would hear the Guantanamo Bay detainees' challenges to the Military Commissions Act of 2006 on June 29, 2007.

June 2007: Site Experiences Largest Daily Readership

In June 2007, SCOTUSblog announced that it was about to experience its single largest daily readership at 100,000 page views per day.

June 29, 2007: Supreme Court to hear Guantanamo Bay detainees' challenges

On June 29, 2007, the Supreme Court unexpectedly announced it would hear the Guantanamo Bay detainees' challenges to the Military Commissions Act of 2006. SCOTUSblog posted more information about the case than most newspapers the next day.

2007: Companion Wiki Added

In 2007, a companion wiki was added to SCOTUSblog, though its features were later integrated into the blog itself.

2008: Article in New York Law School Law Review

In 2008, an article in the New York Law School Law Review estimated that "before the end of the afternoon, SCOTUSblog alone had posted more information about the case than most newspapers provided even the next day."

2009: Coverage of Sonia Sotomayor nomination

In 2009, Paul Krugman of The New York Times wrote of SCOTUSblog's coverage of the Sonia Sotomayor nomination.

2010: Criticism for Potential Conflicts of Interest

In 2010, SCOTUSblog received criticism for potential conflicts of interest concerning Goldstein, his litigation practice, and the blog's coverage of court matters.

2010: ABA's Silver Gavel Award

In 2010, SCOTUSblog was the recipient of the ABA's Silver Gavel award.

2011: Bloomberg Law Sponsorship

In 2011, Bloomberg Law began sponsoring SCOTUSblog, allowing it to fully separate from Goldstein & Howe, P.C.

March 2012: Affordable Care Act Hearings

During the week of the Affordable Care Act hearings at the Supreme Court in March 2012, SCOTUSblog had one million hits owing to its extensive coverage.

2012: Society of Professional Journalists Prize

In 2012, SCOTUSblog won the Society of Professional Journalists prize for its coverage of the announcement of the Supreme Court's Affordable Care Act decision.