The U.S. Supreme Court wrapped up the first week of arguments of the October 2023 term on Wednesday. They will next take the bench on Tuesday, Oct. 9, following the Columbus Day federal holiday. 

Before then, however, the justices will convene for a private conference this Friday to discuss whether to add an assortment of controversial cases to their docket, which is currently just over half as full as the court's entire October 2022 session. These cases include a challenge to Washington state's ban on conversion therapy for minors and an appeal by the National Rifle Association to revive a First Amendment lawsuit over New York officials' alleged pressure campaign against the gun group.

Although the court will issue orders from that conference on Tuesday morning, it's not uncommon at this stage of the term for the court to announce an early batch of new cases later on Friday to expedite the briefing schedule for the parties.