Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Shares Insights on Judicial Process

During a recent luncheon with the Indianapolis Bar Association, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson offered a candid glimpse into her judicial thinking and daily routines. “I don’t think people realized how formal the court actually is,” she chuckled, reflecting on her experiences. “When the judges come in, they might have thought we were just a bit more relaxed.”

The moderator inquired if this formality had been surprising. Jackson admitted, “I didn’t quite expect that. Sure, I had some insight from my clerk, but it’s different in person when you’re behind closed doors.”

She shared details about the internal workings of the court, describing how they conduct discussions in an organized manner, voting based on seniority. “We have our little rituals, waving at each other as we prepare to take the bench,” she noted, implying a lighthearted camaraderie among the justices.

Jackson’s rank as a newcomer raised some eyebrows, especially when compared to Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s contributions. Interestingly, in a dissenting opinion in Trump v. Kasa, Inc., Jackson’s assertive style stood out, contrasting sharply with the majority opinion’s tone.

When it comes to deciding when to voice her objections, she recalled moments when Sotomayor, who disagreed with Justice Elena Kagan on certain issues, would assign dissenting opinions. “Even when I have varying perspectives on significant issues, I’m not afraid to express my views,” Jackson stated, emphasizing her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the conversation.

In this revealing conversation, she reassured listeners that any doubts about her intentions in sharing her story were unfounded.