SHOT: Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Chosen to Decide Fate Of OSHA Vaccinate or Test Standard. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals was randomly selected to hear the legal challenges brought against the OSHA vaccinate or test standard for employers with 100 or more workers. The court is conservative leaning with twenty active and senior judges being appointed by Republican presidents and only six coming from Democrats. This makes a GOP leaning panel of three judges more likely, giving an advantage to vaccine mandate opponents.
CHASER: Vaccination Status Screening Required At Sixth Circuit Courthouse. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit generally hears cases at the Potter Stewart Courthouse in Cincinnati, Ohio. The courthouse has strict Covid-19 guidelines requiring proof of vaccination status for all employees and mandated masking regardless of vaccination status for visitors. In July 2021, the Sixth Circuit provided specific requirements for unvaccinated lawyers in the courtroom regarding when masks can be removed and where they would argue in the courtroom.
SHOT: OSHA Vaccinate or Test Standard Likely To Reach Supreme Court. The OSHA vaccinate or test standard is likely to reach the Supreme Court.
CHASER: Supreme Court Closed To Public And Required Testing For Counsel. For oral arguments scheduled in October, November, and December of 2021, the Supreme Court is closed to the public. The court also requires counsel and co-counsel to provide negative PCR Covid-19 tests the morning of arguments and wear N95 or KN95 masks at all times, except for eating and drinking.