Commentary: The Supreme Court starts its new term this week. Expect divisiveness

During the last Supreme Court term, which followed the bruising confirmation fight over Brett M. Kavanaugh, the justices seemed to intentionally shy away from taking up the most controversial legal questions. That certainly isn't the case for the court's coming term, which began Monday. Over the next several months, the justices will decide divisive cases involving gay and lesbian rights, immigration and gun control.

I suspect we will deeply feel the absence of Justice Anthony M. Kennedy.

The court's plunge into controversy will begin