U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor expressed concerns about the court's legitimacy in light of recent decisions made by her conservative colleagues. Speaking at an event in Louisville, Kentucky, Sotomayor highlighted the court's rulings that have granted President Donald Trump broad immunity and overturned longstanding precedents.
Sotomayor specifically referenced a case involving Trump, where the court's conservative majority ruled that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution. In her dissent, she criticized the decision, stating that it allowed a president to be above the law.
Addressing the issue of public confidence in the court, Sotomayor emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting established precedents. She expressed concerns about the court moving too quickly in undoing longstanding legal principles, which she believes could lead to instability in society.
Notable shifts made by the court in recent years include overturning Roe v. Wade and striking down affirmative action in college admissions. Sotomayor highlighted the potential impact of these decisions on public perception and the rule of law.
During the event, Sotomayor also received the Brandeis Medal from the University of Louisville law school for her contributions to public service and commitment to justice. She was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Barack Obama in 2009.
