What Happens To Closed Cases?

++The Supreme Court heard major cases on abortion,President Obama's Immigration policies,and most importantly on the idea that  union dues are a violation of free speech. 

++These cases have been decided but if Scalia is in the majority then cases would be ruled even--if they are 5-4--and the lower court's decision stands. If he is in the minority, then the Supreme Court issues its decisions or if it is an overwhelming majority like 6-3,7-2 then the majority opinion stands. 

++The Republican nominees are saying a new judge should not be approved until after the election. Mitch McConnell says only the next President can nominate a new judge. However, as Josh Marshall writes, it is unprecedented that with a year left in office,the President doesn't nominate a Supreme Court justice. However, realistically we can expect The President to fulfill his presidential obligation and nominate someone who may hang out for as long as his other justices.