Amy Coney Barrett: Supreme Court Justice
It is just one week after Amy Coney Barrett was appointed to the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, and the reactions are divided across the board. The left is upset by the illegitimacy of the vote in its entirety. The right is celebrating their victory of a mostly conservative judge appointment. And some are at a loss for words as this comes just under two months after the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It’s safe to say that emotions are running high and this decision has divided people, so close to the presidential election.
Her nomination was passed by a 52-48 margin in the Senate last week and provides the court with a conservative majority of 6-3. This has many wondering about the future of cases that involves topics such as abortion, healthcare, and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. So, it’s safe to say that her appointment to the court immediately preceding a presidential election has major consequences if things begin to lean one way or another in terms of court opinions and decisions.
According to CNN, “At the White House, Barrett said in a speech it was “a privilege to be asked to serve my country” and highlighted the “separation of duty from political preference.”” The article further sourced her speech after being sworn into the Supreme Court, “My fellow Americans, even though we judges don’t face elections, we still work for you. It is your Constitution that establishes the rule of law and the judicial independence that is so central to it. The oath that I have solemnly taken tonight means at its core that I will do my job without any fear or favor and that I will do so independently of both the political branches and of my own preferences.”
Courtesy of Vox
Her speech seemed compassionate and articulated her gratefulness for the appointment. But, time will tell. And on a personal note, I would just like to note that whatever Barrett does with his position on this high court be in service of the American citizens. To be unbias, impartial, and encompass the qualities that we, as American citizens, look for in a Supreme Court Justice. It’s her duty to uphold the fundamental rights of the citizens, and I hope that she does so, honestly and well-intentioned.