Consider This from NPR Justice Anthony Kennedy's book is not boring
18 snips
Oct 13, 2025 Justice Anthony Kennedy candidly reflects on his Supreme Court tenure in his new memoir. He emphasizes the alarming rise of partisanship, lamenting the loss of respectful discourse. Kennedy's pivotal role as a swing justice shaped landmark rulings on gay rights and abortion, profoundly influenced by the experiences of children with gay parents. He challenges originalism, advocating for a flexible interpretation of the Constitution. The podcast also touches on his deep friendship with Justice Scalia, highlighting their eventual reconciliation.
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Red Phone Prisoner Call
- A state prisoner once used a red emergency phone in Anthony Kennedy's chambers to praise or criticize his opinions.
- Kennedy said he liked the occasional call even after police discovered it.
The Pivotal Swing Vote
- Kennedy often voted with conservatives but his vote was frequently pivotal on major cases.
- He sometimes sided with liberals, shaping outcomes on hot-button issues like same-sex marriage and abortion.
Worry About Eroding Discourse
- Kennedy warned that antagonistic, confrontational discourse has replaced reasoned conversation.
- He cautioned that democracy is not guaranteed to survive without more respectful public discourse.
