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Pandemic Reforms Linger as Supreme Court Oral Arguments Change

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Supreme Court justices returned to the bench in October 2021 after an 18-month pandemic hiatus, resuming in-person oral arguments.
During the 2020 shutdown the court held telephone arguments, altered questioning and broadcast live public audio for 18 months.
Data from 2005-2026 show longer arguments and more words per justice, reflecting lasting impacts of the pandemic-era reforms.

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Story summary

U.S. Supreme Court justices returned to the bench in October 2021 after an 18-month pandemic hiatus, resuming in-person oral arguments.
During the 2020 shutdown the court held telephone arguments, altered questioning and broadcast live public audio for 18 months.
Data from 2005-2026 show longer arguments and more words per justice, reflecting lasting impacts of the pandemic-era reforms.