FCC vs. Fox Television Stations: In the so-called "fleeting expletives" case, the court will consider whether the Federal Communications Commission followed the law in adopting a policy that even a one-time obscenity on radio or television during daytime or early morning hours can be punished. The issue arose after singer Cher and celebrity Nicole Richie used variations of a vulgar four-letter word during live award shows.

Wyeth vs. Levine: The case of a woman who sued the mammoth pharmaceutical company after her forearm was amputated following complications she suffered from an anti-nausea drug. Wyeth, supported by other drug companies, says it should be shielded from state court lawsuits and that federally regulated warning labels should pre-empt state standards.

Altria Group, Inc. vs. Good: In another important business case, the court examines whether tobacco companies can be sued for allegedly deceptive advertising of "light" cigarettes.

Winter vs. Natural Resources: A dispute over whether the Navy's use of sonar in training exercises off the Southern California coast endangers whales and other marine mammals. The government argues that the exercises are essential for national security, but wildlife groups are concerned about the impact on marine life and implications for future environmental litigation.

Pleasant Grove City vs. Summum: This Utah city displayed a Ten Commandments monument in a public park but refused the religious group Summum's request to erect its "Seven Aphorisms" - words it contends were also handed down from God to Moses. The court evaluates whether the city's acceptance of a donated monument obligates it to accept others under the First Amendment.

Crawford vs. Nashville and Davidson City: A Nashville government worker says she was fired in retaliation for cooperating in a sexual harassment investigation of her boss. The court will decide if she is protected under federal law. The Bush administration has filed a brief in support of the woman.

Ashcroft vs. Iqbal: The government's domestic crackdown after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks comes to the court as the justices consider whether former attorney general John Ashcroft and Bush administration officials are protected from a lawsuit filed by a Pakistani man. Javaid Iqbal contends his treatment at a federal detention center in Brooklyn, N.Y., resulted from unlawful racial and religious discrimination.

Bartlett vs. Strickland: The court evaluates whether a minority group that constitutes less than half the population of a legislative district can claim the protection of a section of the Voting Rights Act. The issue could affect the redrawing of legislative boundaries after the 2010 census.