It will be very interesting to observe all the speculation and scenario-building while we wait for the final verdict.   Most betting seems to be against survival of the monumental legislation, based on the tone and tenor (and also, of course, the substantive content) of the questions raised by the justices.

It seems likely, however, that great weight will be given to the legal implications of their decision,  and not focus solely on the immediate legal issues within the "four corners" of the legislation.  


I want to be clear that I do not expect the Court to give undue consideration to the political implications and consequences to their decisions - that would seem to be entirely improper.