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New York TimesSunday, 19 April 2026

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THE SHADOW PAPERS

Secret Memos Obtained by the New York Times Illuminate the Origins Of the Supreme Court’s ‘Shadow Docket’ Rulings on Presidential Power

Jodi Kantor and Adam Liptak
How they framed it

The paper frames this as a major investigative breakthrough, positioning its own reporting as uncovering hidden institutional mechanics between the executive and judicial branches.

Context

The US Supreme Court frequently issues expedited, often unsigned rulings on emergency applications (the 'shadow docket'). This investigation claims to reveal internal communications showing how these rulings have systematically addressed the limits of presidential authority.

Striking phrase

Illuminate the Origins

ShadowPapersSecretMemosOriginsPower
Editorial Stance
← LeftCentreRight →
Scrutinising institutional executive power
Toneauthoritative investigative scrutiny
Reader emotionconcern
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11 other papers on this dateView all US front pages — Sunday, 19 April 2026

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