In a recent interview, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that lasting societal change is driven by citizens, not the judiciary. Speaking on “CBS Mornings” while promoting her new children’s book, Sotomayor stated that while she can decide individual cases and voice her opinions, the ultimate power to alter or uphold the status quo lies with the public.
“I don’t think whether I’m concerned matters. I think what matters is whether people are concerned,” she said. “The power of change is in people.”
While Sotomayor declined to comment directly on her recent dissent in a pending immigration case, citing its ongoing status, she urged Americans to read full court opinions to understand the reasoning on both sides. In that case, the Supreme Court froze a lower court ruling that barred federal agents from using racial profiling in immigration sweeps in Los Angeles.
Sotomayor noted that her dissent was grounded in established legal precedents regarding reasonable cause for police stops. In it, she voiced concerns over the court’s use of its emergency docket, often called the “shadow docket.” She explained that this docket allows the court to intervene in a case early, bypassing the normal review process in lower courts. Critics, she acknowledged, question whether it is appropriate for the court to intervene at such a stage, a practice that drew scrutiny during the Trump administration for its frequent use to expedite decisions.
The Justice also discussed her new children’s book, “Just Shine: How to Be Your Best You,” which is based on the life of her mother, Celina. Sotomayor explained that the book’s themes of love, care, and attention reflect her mother’s lessons.
“What love means to me… is caring about people. Caring and understanding them. Listening. Showing your love by showing them the best side of themselves,” she said.
Calling her mother her greatest teacher, Sotomayor highlighted the foundational role parents play in a child’s education. “It is parents who are your first teacher and the longest lasting teacher in terms of the lessons you take.”
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