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While the Supreme Court’s March sitting has delivered intense discussions and debates, it is sometimes insightful to consider lighter topics. The pets of justices, past and present, provide a curious yet intriguing subject matter.
Unlike presidential pets, which enjoy famed recognition through dedicated museums and historical archives, the pets of Supreme Court justices remain mostly elusive. Historical accounts mention that William Howard Taft, who uniquely served as both chief justice and president, famously kept a cow, the “Queen of Capital Cows,” on the White House lawn. Still, scrutiny of the pets belonging to justices seems rarely to capture public attention beyond humorous anecdotes such as John Oliver’s “Supreme Court Dogs” skit.
Some justices have had notable companions, however. Justice Samuel Alito used his late springer spaniel, Zeus, as a sounding board for legal reasoning. As per an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Alito jokingly detailed how Zeus would choose between briefs based on preferred treats, offering a playful take on legal decision-making.
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, with her ranch upbringing, had a rich history with animals from a young age. Her childhood attempts to domesticate wild animals like bobcats were notable, though her pet preferences aligned ultimately more traditionally with dogs. Justice Neil Gorsuch also maintained a variety of animals, including horses and a goat, reflecting his Coloradoan roots. His public statements indicate the charming scenarios of his daughters handling their pet goat, a testament to a family engaged with their property’s animals.
Conversely, some justices are less inclined towards pet ownership. Justice Amy Coney Barrett noted during her confirmation hearing that while her household doesn’t have a puppy, a particularly fluffy chinchilla resides with them. Meanwhile, Justice Elena Kagan is reportedly indifferent to pets.
This whimsical glimpse into the personal lives of Justices highlights the broader spectrum of individuals who shape some of the most important legal decisions of the United States. While not universally noteworthy, such personal stories enrich the narrative of the justices’ lives outside legal frameworks. For more details, see the original post on SCOTUSblog.
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