Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Reveals Tears in Chambers After High-Court Decisions
Liberal Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has opened up about the emotional toll of some of the high-court decisions, revealing that she sometimes cries in her chambers after the rulings are handed down.
During a talk at Harvard University’s Radcliffe Institute, where she received an award, Sotomayor, 69, shared, “There are days that I’ve come to my office after an announcement of a case and closed my door and cried. There have been those days. And there are likely to be more.”
While she did not specify which cases she was referring to, the Supreme Court has made several landmark decisions in recent years that have been seen as victories for conservatives. This includes the 2022 Dobbs abortion decision and the striking down of New York’s prior concealed carry law in June 2022.
Sotomayor’s somber reflections hint at potential future wins for conservatives as the court wraps up its term. The upcoming decisions include cases related to former President Donald Trump’s immunity, abortion, and the use of a federal obstruction statute in charging rioters from the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Despite moments of sadness and desperation, Sotomayor emphasized the importance of acknowledging and processing these emotions. She urged optimism and a focus on future generations, highlighting the need to move forward despite challenges.
Born the same year as Brown v. Board of Education, Sotomayor has a unique background, growing up in a housing project in the Bronx and being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age. Nominated to the court in 2008 by former President Barack Obama, she is one of three Democrat-appointed judges on the Supreme Court.
As the court leans towards a right-leaning majority, there have been calls for Sotomayor to retire under the Biden administration. However, the justice remains committed to her role and the responsibilities that come with it.
Sotomayor’s candid remarks shed light on the personal impact of the court’s decisions and the resilience required to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
