shadow docket

American  

[shad-oh dok-it] / ˈʃæd oʊ ˌdɒk ɪt /

noun

1. a list of the cases resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court by unsigned procedural orders issued without full briefing, oral arguments, or lengthy written opinions.

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Etymology

Origin of shadow docket

Coined by U.S. legal scholar and University of Chicago law professor William P. Baude (born 1950) in 2015

Example Sentences

Several cases from the court’s emergency docket, or shadow docket, in recent months indicate that other justices share that desire.

From Salon

The court's reliance on this shadow docket has been criticised by left-leaning legal scholars and politicians as an improper use of the court's authority.

From BBC

Using the so-called “shadow docket,” the justices allowed him to fire someone the law says he should not be allowed to fire.

From Salon

When asked to explain the court’s “shadow docket”, she ad-libbed a hypothetical all but identical to Monday’s real decision.

From Los Angeles Times

In another shadow docket ruling that lacks legal precedent, facts or justification, the court dealt an even more serious blow to separation of powers than to public education.

From Salon