Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the most senior liberal Justice on the conservative Supreme Court, revealed at Harvard University that she sometimes cries after decisions are handed down by the court, hinting that there may be more tears ahead. She expressed her emotions during an awards event at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard. As the Supreme Court approaches the end of its term, which includes controversial cases such as Donald Trump’s election subversion claims and abortion issues, there is a possibility of more emotional moments for Sotomayor.
Sotomayor did not mention specific cases in her remarks but hinted at the challenges she faces as a Justice on the court. She has previously expressed her frustration with the court’s decisions, stating that every loss impacts her deeply. Despite these challenges, she emphasized the importance of continuing to fight for justice, even in the face of adversity. While her overall tone was positive, she acknowledged moments of sadness and desperation that she and others experience, but stressed the need to push forward and continue the fight for justice.
The Supreme Court is expected to issue decisions on numerous cases by the end of June, with most opinions so far being unanimous or non-ideological. However, the court typically saves the most controversial cases for the end of the term, which is why decisions often split along ideological lines. In recent terms, landmark decisions, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade, expansion of gun rights, and gutting of affirmative action policies, have been decided along ideological or near-ideological lines, reflecting the court’s divided nature.
Sotomayor recently participated in a dissent penned by Justice Elena Kagan in a major redistricting case where the court upheld a pro-Republican congressional map in South Carolina. The decision was split 6-3 along conservative-liberal lines, showcasing the ideological divisions within the court. Despite facing such challenges and difficult decisions, Sotomayor emphasized the importance of owning, accepting, and dealing with the emotions that come with serving on the Supreme Court, and then continuing to fight for justice.
As the Supreme Court approaches the end of its term, with high-profile cases still pending, Justice Sotomayor’s emotional remarks shed light on the personal toll that serving on the court can take. Despite her moments of sadness and desperation, Sotomayor remains determined to push forward and fight for justice. In a divided court where decisions often split along ideological lines, Justices like Sotomayor face immense pressure and emotional challenges. As she navigates the complexities of the court’s decisions, Sotomayor’s commitment to justice and her willingness to confront and manage her emotions serve as a reminder of the human side of the Supreme Court Justices.
