The Supreme Court of the United States ended its term this month with a striking, almost dramatic finish. In recent days, the court announced major decisions that relate to immigration, labor unions and a woman’s right to end her pregnancy. It also ruled on tensions between gay rights and opponents of same-sex marriage. Then, one of the nine justices, Anthony Kennedy, announced he is retiring. Kennedy is 81 years old, and the second-oldest person on the high court. Some court watchers call him the “swing voter” because they have a hard time predicting how he will vote in cases. His decision to retire, and the person who replaces him, will affect Supreme Court decisions far into the future.