It’s hard to miss the extensive media coverage surrounding Justice Jackson’s new book. While headlines have focused on her comments about an ethics code, the immunity case, and the election, a closer look at the transcript and the actual book reveals that she didn’t delve much into Court-related matters. Abbe Van Sickle from the New York Times seems somewhat disappointed by the lack of insight Jackson provides:
Justice Jackson remained tight-lipped about the current Court, especially amidst the intense scrutiny following the leaked draft of its decision on abortion rights. The revelations about undisclosed gifts and luxury travel by some justices, notably Justice Clarence Thomas, only added to the spotlight.
Despite her active role on the bench, engaging with lawyers and writing sharp dissents, Justice Jackson chose not to address the significant pressures facing the Court.
Following the controversies surrounding Justice Thomas and others, the Court introduced its first-ever ethics code. However, Jackson merely acknowledged the ongoing discussions about strengthening the code, labeling it an “interesting moment” for the Court.
Media outlets were strictly instructed not to raise any sensitive topics during interviews:
Shortly before the interview, Justice Jackson’s publicist outlined the restrictions, barring any discussions on past or present Supreme Court cases, the upcoming election, or other political matters.
For those curious about the book’s content, I delved into the Kindle version to provide insights. Surprisingly, the book lacks an index, making it challenging to navigate. There are no mentions of Clarence Thomas or Samuel Alito, but a brief reference is made to the Trump appointees:
President Trump’s tenure saw three new justices appointed to the Court, significantly altering its ideological balance. Only three justices maintained a progressive viewpoint as of O.T. 2021.
While Justice Jackson covers some high-profile District Court cases, SCOTUS enthusiasts might not find them compelling.
In the acknowledgments section, Jackson credits Rosemarie Robotham as her “collaborator,” acknowledging her role as a “literary collaborator.”
Expressing gratitude to Rosemarie Robotham for her invaluable collaboration throughout the writing process, Justice Jackson highlights Robotham’s exceptional writing skills that brought life to the book.
Justice Jackson’s collaboration with Robotham mirrors the partnership Justice Sotomayor praised in her book, My Beloved World:
Justice Sotomayor credits Zara Houshmand for her essential role in shaping her life story, emphasizing Zara’s talent in storytelling and selecting authentic experiences to portray Sotomayor’s journey.
Despite the swift release of Jackson’s memoir within two years of her confirmation, Justice Barrett’s book is still in progress. Known for her prompt opinions, Barrett’s delay raises questions about her book’s status and the presence of a potential collaborator.
In conclusion, I emphasize the need for ethical considerations in justices’ book deals, advocating for measures to prevent financial loopholes. While Justice Jackson’s interviews outside the Court seem less objectionable, utilizing the Court’s prestige for media engagements warrants scrutiny.
