The judgment came as a surprise because the justices had specifically refused to hear arguments on the First Amendment aspect of the complicated case, and instead said they would rule only on narrower procedural questions arising out of the tough new immigration law passed in 1996.

ECONOMIST: Immigration

The Supreme Court has discretion to rule narrowly or broadly on the aspects of the legal and procedural questions raised.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The justices here have discretion to rule narrowly or broadly on the aspects of the legal and procedural questions raised.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Last June, Mr Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison for killings committed during the 2011 uprising that ended his decades-long rule, but in January a retrial was ordered because of procedural failings.

BBC: Egypt: Court gives Hosni Mubarak custody decision

Several procedural requirements also changed significantly from the proposed regulations to the final version of the rule.

FORBES: The Sunshine Act Is Finally Final

During initial arguments Monday, the justices sent clear signals that they believe they can rule on the health-care overhaul now, casting aside a possible procedural hurdle.

WSJ: Conservative Justices Challenge Government Over Health Law