Supreme Court Opens New Term with Climate Lawsuit and Key Legal Battles

The report covers the Supreme Court's return for a new term, beginning with a climate-change case against energy companies and Justice Samuel Alito's recusal. NBC News senior Supreme Court reporter Lawrence Hurley explains the arguments, the stakes for similar lawsuits, and other major cases on the docket.

■ Climate case before the Court
- Arguments over whether energy companies can be sued for climate-related damages under state consumer deception laws.
- Oil industry seeks a broad ruling to dismiss similar suits nationwide by arguing climate change is a federal or international issue.
- Justice Alito recuses; possible 4-4 tie and implications for the oil companies.

■ Other key cases in the new term
- December gun case challenging bans on AR-15s and other semi-automatic rifles under the Second Amendment.
- Cases involving Trump administration executive power, including immigration detention and third-country removals.
- Possible case on Trump's asylum ban at the southern border.

It is suited to viewers following the Supreme Court, climate litigation, gun rights, and executive power. It offers an overview of the legal questions and early dynamics of the term.