Gorsuch Gets Moment as Decider in Case Evoking Trail of Tears

The U.S. Supreme Court made waves when it announced that it would hear arguments over the phone this month in light of the coronavirus pandemic. So, too, when it said that the justices would question lawyers in order of seniority, foregoing the usual free-for-all that dominates in-person arguments.

That means when the high court dials in for a dramatic legal clash over the fate of American Indian lands in Oklahoma on May 11, it’ll take a while to hear from the justice whose view may count the most: Neil Gorsuch.

The second-most-junior justice, who has sided with tribal interests in ...