Following the law, hard-right Justice Samuel Alito endorses qualified immunity for public officials. He must if he’s to follow the law. However, the 74-year-old former U.S. Attorney doesn’t like holding rogue public officials accountable if he can help it.

The justices will consider the constitutionality of state laws banning gender-affirming care for minors for the first time.

After a blockbuster previous term and action on a variety of cases during the summer on an emergency basis, the court is due to open its annual term, as is customary, on the first Monday of October. Arguments are set for two cases.