Ketanji Brown Jackson on Public Scrutiny and the Rule of Law

Engagement with the Public Eye

• 💡 Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson views the growing attention on the Supreme Court and her role as a positive development for public engagement.
• 💬 She believes that the more people are engaged with institutions, the better, highlighting that the court is unique in that citizens write their opinions when they vote.
• ✍️ Jackson sees her opportunity to express her views in her opinions as a way to inform the public about her stance on issues.

Dissenting Opinions and the Rule of Law

• ⚖️ Her dissenting opinions this term have been noted for their forceful articulation, particularly in a case limiting lower courts' power to block presidential orders.
• ⚠️ In her dissent, she argued that the majority's decision imperiled the rule of law, creating a "zone of lawlessness" where the executive could disregard laws.
• 🏛️ Justice Amy Coney Barrett countered that Jackson's dissent was contrary to precedent and the Constitution.
• ❓ When asked if some rulings pose an existential threat to the rule of law, Jackson affirmed, stating she had written about this in her opinions.

The Role of Dissent in Democracy

• 🌍 Jackson emphasizes that her role, even in dissent, is to keep the public engaged.
• 🗣️ She asserts that in a democracy, the people are meant to be the rulers.