Justices Plan to Let Lawyers Speak for First 2 Minutes

The U.S. Supreme Court will give lawyers a little more breathing room to get their arguments out, at least at first, at least in theory, according to an announcement from the high court ahead of the new term’s start on Oct. 7.

The justices “generally will not question” lawyers during the first two minutes of their arguments, according to new guidance from the court.

Though seemingly benign, the shift announced Oct. 3 in the Guide for Counsel arguing before the court is notable because, at times in recent years, it has been difficult for advocates to get a word in ...