Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is set to release a two-volume memoir this fall, detailing his life from his childhood in California to his 30 years on the court. The memoir, titled “Life and Law: The Early Years” and “Life and Law: The Court Years,” will be published on October 1 by Simon & Schuster. Kennedy, a moderate conservative, played a pivotal role in landmark cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.
Simon & Schuster described the memoir as a reflection on Kennedy’s experiences as a judge, highlighting his decision-making process and interactions with fellow justices such as Sandra Day O’Connor, William Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The first volume delves into Kennedy’s youth in Sacramento and his early career as a lawyer, shedding light on the influences that shaped his judicial philosophy. The second volume offers insights into Kennedy’s thought process in major cases and his relationships with his colleagues on the bench.
In the preface to the first volume, Kennedy explained that his memoirs expanded beyond his initial plan as he delved into the societal changes that occurred from the 1940s to the 1970s. He emphasized the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, stating that writing a memoir is a way to learn more about oneself and the society in which one lives. Kennedy’s tenure on the Supreme Court was marked by key decisions on issues like same-sex marriage and campaign finance, and his memoir promises to provide insight into his approach to these complex cases.
Kennedy’s appointment to the Supreme Court in 1988 and his retirement in 2018 were both significant events in the history of the judiciary. He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan after the failed nominations of Robert Bork and Douglas Ginsburg, and his retirement allowed President Donald Trump to nominate Brett Kavanaugh to the court. Kavanaugh’s confirmation process was fraught with controversy, including allegations of assault by Christine Blasey Ford. Kennedy’s upcoming memoir will offer a unique perspective on his time on the bench and the evolution of his views over the years.
The release of Kennedy’s memoir coincides with the publication of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s book “Lovely One,” set to be released in September. As readers eagerly await these reflections from prominent legal figures, they will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the inner workings of the Supreme Court and the personal experiences that shape the decisions of its justices. Kennedy’s memoir is expected to be a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of law and life in America.
