SCOTUS Watch: Lectures and Interviews

Justice Sotomayor gave a lecture at NYU, which received some attention. Of course, it isn't on the Supreme Court website, even with a "speech" page. She recently talked with Conan O'Brien too. Don't see video for this one yet.

Sotomayor flagged the usual stuff you hear about how the courts are seen in a too partisan light, trust in them are decreasing in troubling ways, and the nomination process is problematic. The idea this is the "first" time each political party was associated with a certain judicial sentiment in a strong way is silly (see c. 1800). As to the rest, sure, but your colleagues are part of the problem. Look at your own house.

Meanwhile, High School SCOTUS continues their excellent interview series with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Turns out he had one appearance in front of the Supreme Court as an advocate. He is asked about the Presidential Supreme Court Commission. Supports change, but worried about getting too far ahead of the curve. I think the commission fits into his general push for public education in a steady fashion.