READY FOR ROBERTS: The Supreme Court’s term opens Monday with John Roberts at the helm as the new chief justice. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who has announced her retirement, remains on the court until a replacement is confirmed.

TOUGH TOPICS: The court is slated to hear arguments on contentious issues such as abortion, the death penalty and assisted suicide.

COURT RULES: O’Connor, a moderate who often casts the swing vote on the court, will hear cases and vote. Her votes won’t count if she’s not on the court when the rulings, which takes months to prepare, are completed.