The latest order from the Supreme Court reminds us that the court exercises significant control over its docket and is willing to use its power to move the law in the majority’s preferred direction.

The Supreme Court signaled Friday that it will take a broader look at a high-profile redistricting fight over Louisiana’s congressional map, subtly expanding the scope of an appeal that could weaken the landmark Voting Rights Act.

The justices asked opposing parties in a battle over a Louisiana voting map to submit briefs addressing the matter.

The U.S. Supreme Court signaled on Friday that it will assess the legality of a key component of a landmark federal voting rights law, potentially giving its conservative majority a chance to gut a provision enacted 60 years ago that was intended to prevent racial discrimination in voting.

The US Supreme Court indicated it will consider outlawing the use of race in drawing voting maps, setting up a blockbuster showdown with implications for dozens of congressional districts with predominantly minority populations.