The case is likely to be seen as crucial test of public employee unions, which have under political attack in several Republican-led states. The outcome may well have a political impact as well, because these unions have been reliable supporters of the Democratic Party.

The Center for Individual Rights, a small conservative group in Washington, wanted to bring the issue before the high court as soon as possible. The group funded the lawsuit, which alleges that forcing Friedrichs and other teachers to fund their union is a type of unconstitutional compelled speech.

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Earlier this year, the Center for Individual Rights filed an appeal urging the justices to overrule that high-court precedent and strike down what it called the "multi-hundred-million dollar regime of compelled speech."

“This case is about the right of individuals to decide for themselves whether to join and pay dues to an organization that purports to speak on their behalf. We are seeking the end of compulsory union dues across the nation on the basis of the free-speech rights guaranteed by the 1st Amendment,” Terry Pell, the group’s president, said Tuesday.