Context:

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the most junior member of the U.S. Supreme Court, expressed her enthusiasm for sharing her personal views through her written opinions during a recent event. Despite her junior status, she frequently writes her own dissents, as seen in her recent opposition to a decision regarding universal injunctions, where she emphasized the importance of the rule of law. Her outspoken nature has drawn both support and criticism from fellow justices, including a notable disagreement with Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Additionally, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, typically aligned with Jackson, diverged from her stance in a case concerning federal job cuts. Jackson also highlighted the collegial atmosphere among the justices, noting their practice of not discussing cases during social gatherings to foster personal connections outside the courtroom environment.

Dive Deeper:

• Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson enjoys the opportunity to express her personal views in her court opinions, emphasizing this aspect during a public appearance in Louisiana. She spoke about the importance of conveying her feelings on legal issues through her judicial writings while promoting her book 'Lovely One.'

• As the most junior Supreme Court Justice, Jackson frequently writes separate dissents, even when not the principal dissenter. She recently defended the use of universal injunctions, arguing that the court's decision allowing the Executive to violate constitutional rights posed a serious threat to the rule of law.

• Justice Amy Coney Barrett countered Jackson's dissent on universal injunctions, stating that Jackson's views conflicted with longstanding court precedents and constitutional interpretations, suggesting they were not worth extended consideration.

• Justice Jackson's outspoken approach has led to occasional disagreements with typically allied justices, such as Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who opposed Jackson's position in a decision that permitted President Trump's significant federal workforce reductions.

• Despite these differences, Jackson stressed the positive working relationships among the justices, mentioning their pre-courtroom handshake ritual and regular social lunches where non-case-related topics are discussed to build rapport.

• Jackson, a Harvard Law alumna and former federal judge, is noted for her active participation during oral arguments, reportedly speaking more than her colleagues during the 2022 and 2023 court terms, which she attributes to her prior experience as a trial court judge.

• She acknowledged the adjustment required in transitioning from a trial court setting, where judges have more control over proceedings, to the Supreme Court, where she must ensure her colleagues have opportunities to ask questions during oral arguments.