Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy believes that High Court opinions have become “highly personal and confrontational”.
“I’m actually somewhat concerned about the Court,” Kennedy said in an interview. Interview with CBS News Published on Sunday. “It’s somewhat personal and confrontational, some opinions. I hope it calms down a bit.”
Kennedy, 89, retired from the Supreme Court in July 2018 and was replaced by Justice Brett Kavanaugh. His memoir, “Life, Law and Liberty,” will be published Tuesday by Simon & Schuster.
Nominated by President Reagan, Kennedy was sworn into the court in February 1988. His tenure of 30 years, 163 days in the Supreme Court is the 15th longest among the 116 serving judges.
often a casting vote Controversial issues he co-wrote majority opinion Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, a 1992 case that affirmed the decision in Roe v. Wade. Kennedy also wrote majority opinion The 2015 case Obergefell v. Hodges, which gave same-sex couples the right to marry in the US, ruled with the majority. 2000 Bush v. Gore case,
In June, Kennedy Said He was “concerned about the tone of our political discourse” during a virtual legal reform. He said judges treat others with decency and respect and do not consider anyone’s partisan affiliation in the courtroom.
Speaking to CBS News, Kennedy reiterated those concerns and principles.
He said, “Yes, I am concerned. Democracy is based on an open, rational, thoughtful, civilized discussion where you respect the dignity of the person with whom you disagree. And if that is not the case, then democracy as we know it is in danger.”
