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Approximately two decades ago, Bryan Garner, the editor-in-chief of Black’s Law Dictionary, conducted interviews with eight of the nine sitting justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, excluding Justice David Souter. These interviews, primarily focusing on “legal writing and advocacy,” provided insight into the judicial thought process, albeit in a somewhat restrained manner. Garner’s interviews, despite their circumspect nature, offer a rare glimpse into the minds of the justices.
Yet, not all public remarks from justices have been so reserved. Over the years, some have been candid and, at times, unexpected. Justice John Paul Stevens, in a 2010 interview with CBS News, recounted a dramatic childhood experience involving gangsters, an event that partly forged his opposition to the Second Amendment. Stevens discussed his views further in a 2019 PBS News Hour appearance, recalling his father’s interaction with Al Capone which, according to Stevens, led to an incident-free convention week in Chicago, leaving an indelible mark on his perspectives.
Justice William O. Douglas offered insights from his 1955 trip to Russia with Robert F. Kennedy during the Cold War, as documented in a 1969 interview. He recounted advising Kennedy against debating communists and reflected on pivotal decisions, such as Kennedy’s acceptance of the attorney general position in his brother’s administration. In a subsequent discussion, he revealed their conversations often delved into the complexities of foreign policy.
Turning to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, known for his forthright manner, he once voiced concern over the impact of the internet on writing and social interactions during an interview with New York Magazine in 2013. Scalia expressed skepticism about societal trends towards narcissism fostered by social media. In the same interview, he discussed various topics from his constitutional views to his opinion on certain television programs.
An array of opinions on the Supreme Court’s standing continues to emerge, underscoring the diverse perspectives within judicial ranks and from the public at large. Notably, a recent NBC News poll highlighted in the SCOTUSblog article indicates that only 22% of U.S. registered voters hold a significant degree of confidence in the Court, a statistic worth pondering amid these reflections of historic judicial figures.
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