Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett recently reflected on her confirmation process, which she described as ‘awkward’ due to the circumstances of the pandemic-driven remote hearings. In an interview at the Lincoln Center, the justice recounted how her confirmation took place behind closed doors, a stark contrast to the more public confrontations seen during the confirmation of her colleague, Brett Kavanaugh. The unique circumstances of the pandemic led to a lengthy confirmation process and an adjustment period for Barrett as she navigated her new role on the nation’s highest court.
Barrett’s memoir, ‘Listening to the Law,’ is set to be released soon, and her interview provided a glimpse into the personal and professional challenges she faced in her nearly five years on the Court. She spoke about the support she received from her fellow justices, who helped her acclimate to the role, offering supplies, assistance, and even temporarily staffing her office. She emphasized the ‘human element’ in judging, suggesting that the collaborative nature of the Court’s nine justices plays a vital role in its function.
During the interview, Barrett also addressed the shadow docket, a procedural mechanism used by the Trump administration to expedite emergency rulings that often aligned with its policies. She acknowledged the role of the Court in reviewing urgent matters, though she noted the preference for cases fully adjudicated by lower courts. Barrett defended her criticism of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, stating her remarks were aimed at clarifying legal arguments rather than personal jabs. She also highlighted the judiciary’s independence from political pressures, suggesting that public expectations often conflict with constitutional principles.
Barrett’s reflections offer a rare look into the inner workings of the Court and the challenges faced by justices in balancing legal rigor with the realities of public scrutiny. Her memoir promises to provide deeper insights into the experiences of a justice navigating the complexities of the judiciary in a polarized political environment.