merits docket

American  

[mer-its dok-it] / ˈmɛr ɪts ˌdɒk ɪt /

noun

1. a list of the cases resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court in a recorded vote after full briefing and oral arguments, and with written opinions signed by individual justices.

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Etymology

Origin of merits docket

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The emergency docket is different from the court’s merits docket, which is the customary path for cases to reach the Supreme Court.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

The merits docket – the ordinary process – is methodical.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

The court’s brief order did not suspend the program in the meantime or add the case to the court’s merits docket.

From New York Times • Dec. 20, 2023

That is to say, the merits docket exists in the shadows of the shadow docket, not the other way around.

From Slate • May 24, 2023

By volume, these disputes are now competing with the merits docket.

From Slate • Sep. 27, 2021