During a recent event hosted by the American Bar Association, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor made headlines with remarks that seemed to take aim at President Trump. She stated, “But right now, we can’t lose the battles we are facing.”
Ah, the elusive “we,” Justice Sotomayor. Who exactly is included in that collective pronoun?
It’s well-known that Justice Sotomayor aligns with the liberal wing of the Supreme Court; however, justices typically maintain a facade of neutrality when it comes to partisan politics.
This statement coincides with Chief Justice Roberts’ recent comments, which have also raised eyebrows.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor calls on lawyers to take a stand amid turmoil in the nation’s legal system
In her speech, Justice Sotomayor urged lawyers to rise to the occasion in the face of challenges confronting the legal system, particularly referencing the attacks on federal judges and President Trump’s initiatives targeting elite law firms through executive orders.
“Our job is to stand up for people who can’t do it themselves. And our job is to be the champion of lost causes,” she asserted. “But right now, we can’t lose the battles we are facing. We need trained and passionate and committed lawyers to fight this fight.”
Notably, Sotomayor refrained from directly mentioning the president during her address, which took place in Washington, D.C., at an event also criticized by Trump.
Her comments followed closely after Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized the importance of judicial independence as a necessary mechanism to “check the excesses of Congress or the executive” during an appearance in Buffalo, New York.
George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley weighed in:
The use of “we” surprised many, suggesting that the justice was rallying a left-leaning constituency. She declared, “We need trained and passionate and committed lawyers to fight this fight. For me, being here with you is an act of solidarity.”
Such remarks are open to various interpretations. The New York Times noted the context of her speech, highlighting the significant pressure on lawyers and the legal system stemming from the Trump administration.
Activists seized on her words, heralding her support for pro-democracy efforts as crucial during this precarious moment. Court-sanctioned lawyer and Democratic advocate Marc Elias commented, “She understands that while we must bring difficult cases and be willing to lose, we must always fight to win. And by lending her voice in ‘solidarity,’ she affirmed that it is ‘our time to stand up and be heard.’”
Isn’t it deliciously ironic to think that Trump might have the opportunity to choose her successor should he secure a second term?
