At the same time, the liberal justice conceded the limits of the courts' "soft power," which relies upon persuading people that rulings are based on reasoned applications of the law.

Summary

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor defended the judiciary’s role amid criticism from Trump allies, including JD Vance, over rulings blocking Trump’s executive orders.

She warned that court decisions remain binding, even if challenged, and stressed the importance of judicial “soft power” to uphold the rule of law.

While avoiding direct references to Trump, she noted past threats to judicial authority and emphasized that cautious, reasoned rulings are essential to maintaining democracy.

Her remarks come amid concerns over potential defiance of court rulings.

  • Nougat
    21•14 hours ago

    The summary doesn’t do the article justice (no pun intended).

    “Court decisions stand, whether one particular person chooses to abide by them or not,” Sotomayor said when she was asked about the importance of the Constitution’s separation of powers. “It doesn’t change the foundation that it’s still a court order that someone will respect at some point.”

    This is brilliant.

    And when she speaks of “soft power,” that’s what the judiciary is. The judiciary interprets the law for specific situations, and can overturn laws (for good or bad) - but it is not a physical or economic or legislative power.