Last Friday, as the holidays ended the Supreme Court began to focus once again and return to work.  In front of the Court are numerous decisions that will impact the political and legal landscape by impacting injury victims, politicians, and everyday folks.

The justices first met in private to go through the review requests that have accumulated since they broke on December 14.

There are several cases that have unanswered questions that many scholars and attorneys assume the Court will decide.  And many in the legal world are still curious what influence that the newest justice, Justice Sotomayor, will have on the Court’s direction and pace.

Among the more important issues to be decided is the role that corporate money will play in the future of politics.  The issue of corporate spending was taken up last term by the Court, however, the justices decided to consider the larger question of whether it is constitutional to ban corporations and labor unions from using general funds funds to support or oppose candidates.

Such expenditures have been outlawed by Congress for decades. And, 22 states have also banned the practice.  If the Court finds the ban on corporate spending unconstitutional, as many legal scholars fear, it will dramatically alter the way in which campaigns are funded and change the political landscape across the country.

The other issue being watched closely due to the presence of President Obama, is whether or not any members of the Court’s liberal wing will announce retirements.

A decision on the constitutionality of banning corporate money for candidates could come as early as next week.