The legendary “First Monday in October”—the opening day of the Supreme Court's new term—can occur as late as Oct. 8, as the calendar goes. But not this term.

The first Monday this year is Oct. 1, the earliest it can possibly be. And that is just one of several factors that could make it difficult for Brett Kavanaugh—if he is confirmed by the Senate—to hit the ground running.

Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has set Sept. 4 as the first day for Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing. Assuming that Senate Democrats will be unsuccessful in delaying the hearing, that date may sound like enough time for Kavanaugh to cross the finish line and don his robe for the high court.