The Supreme Court will hear arguments next week about the rights of prisoners who have been detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and will immediately release audio tapes of the proceeding. The court made available same-day releases of audio tapes on two occasions last term, for cases involving abortion and the use of race in public school assignments. The quick release of audio tapes in major cases dates to 2000, when justices heard Florida ballot recount appeals that determined the outcome of the presidential election.

Television cameras are barred from the court and reporters are not allowed to use tape recorders there. But arguments are taped by the court and usually are released at the end of the term.

The cases to be argued next Wednesday deal with whether the Guantanamo detainees can contest their confinement in U.S. civilian courts.