{"argument_date":"2019-03-27T00:00:00Z","arguments":[{"argument_date":"2019-03-27T00:00:00Z","heading":"What happened at the argument","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2018","official_transcript_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","paragraphs":["the side that brought the case argued that the government agreed deference does not apply in this specific case.","the opposing side argued that the doctrine has practical benefits and can be refined with reasonable limits.","Justice Sotomayor questioned whether the best reading of the statute was already clear in this instance."],"reargument":false,"sequence":1,"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 13-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 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32-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 28-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 28-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 33-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 33-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 8-16","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 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31-13"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 21-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 21-6"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 71, lines 15-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 71, lines 15-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 36-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 72, lines 36-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 73, lines 18-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 73, lines 18-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 74, lines 15-16","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 74, lines 15-16"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 25-25","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 25-25"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 28-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 28-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 21-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 21-27"}]}],"caption":"Kisor v. Wilkie","case_history":[{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:20.118761Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"},{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:20.141128Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"}],"case_status":"argued","dek":"The dispute centers on whether judges must accept agency explanations of unclear regulations or retain full authority to interpret the law.","dek_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 33, lines 32-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 33, lines 32-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 33-33","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 68, lines 33-33"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 31-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 31-13"}],"dispositions":[],"latest_court_document_date":"2019-03-27T00:00:00Z","maturity":"official_transcript","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2018","official_disposition_urls":[],"official_docket_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/18-15.html","primary_docket":"18-15","revisions":[{"correction_note":"Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.","created_at":"2026-08-30T17:53:15.602665Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":1},{"correction_note":"Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.","created_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":2}],"schema_version":"1.1","sections":[{"heading":"What this case is about","paragraphs":["This case tests the scope of judicial deference to agency interpretations of their own rules. the side that brought the case seeks to eliminate this deference entirely. the opposing side argues for retaining the doctrine with stricter limits."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 33, lines 32-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 33, lines 32-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 33-33","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 68, lines 33-33"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 31-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 31-13"}]},{"heading":"How the case got here","paragraphs":["The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on March 27, 2019."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 8-16","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 8-16"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 36-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 72, lines 36-10"}]},{"heading":"What each side wants","paragraphs":["the side that brought the case wants the Court to overturn the Auer doctrine completely.","the opposing side wants the Court to keep the doctrine but enforce stricter limits."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 33, lines 32-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 33, lines 32-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 33-33","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 68, lines 33-33"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 31-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 31-13"}]},{"heading":"What each side says","paragraphs":["the side that brought the case argues that deference to agency interpretations violates the separation of powers.","the opposing side argues that deference ensures consistent and efficient administration of complex regulations."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 33, lines 32-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 33, lines 32-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 33-33","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 68, lines 33-33"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 31-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 31-13"}]},{"heading":"What the justices asked","paragraphs":["Justice Ginsburg asked if the interpretation truly has the force of law.","Justice Breyer asked if studies show the problem is rare and manageable by judges."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 13-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 13-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 28-16","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 28-16"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 27-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 27-21"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 28-33","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 28-33"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 28-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 28-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 33-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 33-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 23-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 23-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 21-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 21-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 21-6","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 21-6"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 71, lines 15-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 71, lines 15-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 72, lines 36-10","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 72, lines 36-10"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 73, lines 18-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 73, lines 18-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 74, lines 15-16","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 74, lines 15-16"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 25-25","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 25-25"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 28-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 28-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 9, lines 21-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 9, lines 21-27"}]},{"heading":"Why it matters","paragraphs":["This issue determines how much power agencies hold over their own rules. It affects the balance between administrative expertise and judicial oversight. The outcome shapes the legal landscape for all federal regulatory interpretations."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 33, lines 32-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 33, lines 32-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 17-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 17-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 68, lines 33-33","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 68, lines 33-33"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 69, lines 31-13","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 69, lines 31-13"}]},{"heading":"What happens next","paragraphs":["This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 13-27","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 13-27"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 28-16","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 28-16"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 27-21","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 27-21"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 28-33","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 28-33"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 28-31","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 28-31"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 33-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 33-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 8-16","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2018/18-15_8nj9.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 8-16"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 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