Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in her first term on the Supreme Court, has struck a book deal with the help of a prominent lawyer who has represented the Obamas and James Patterson. The deal, valued at $3 million, follows a trend of Supreme Court justices using their fame to secure lucrative book contracts.
Justice Neil M. Gorsuch earned $650,000 for a book of essays and personal reflections, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett received a $2 million advance for her upcoming book on separating personal biases from judicial decisions. Justices Clarence Thomas and Sonia Sotomayor, more seasoned members of the Court, have also received substantial payments that surpass their government salaries.
These book deals have been the subject of recent scrutiny due to the lack of transparency at the Supreme Court and the absence of a binding ethics code for the justices. Reports have shed light on Justice Thomas’s questionable relations with wealthy benefactors, Justice Alito’s luxury fishing trip with a Republican megadonor, and Chief Justice Roberts’s wife’s profitable legal recruiting work.
While the book deals are not illegal, concerns have been raised about the justices’ use of court staff to assist with researching and promoting their books. Justice Jackson’s forthcoming memoir, titled “Lovely One,” was confirmed earlier this year, and the details of her financial arrangement will likely be disclosed in her annual financial disclosures.
Justice Sotomayor has earned a total of $3.7 million for her memoir chronicling her journey from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, as well as her children’s books. It has been reported that her court staff encouraged event organizers to purchase more copies of her books.
The justices are subject to federal regulations regarding outside income, with a cap of approximately $30,000. However, book earnings are not included in this cap, making them attractive sources of additional income for the justices.
Book deals are not uncommon among Supreme Court justices, with a list of 353 books written or edited by justices since 1776. Judicial ethics watchdogs do not consider these book deals to be major ethical concerns, as they provide a platform for the justices to share their experiences and perspectives. However, critics argue that the lack of transparency and guidelines surrounding these book deals further highlights the Court’s outdated ethical standards.
Of particular concern is the use of court resources by the justices to support their book ventures. This practice falls outside the justices’ official duties and raises questions about the use of government employees for personal gain.
Some experts argue that the Supreme Court should follow the example of other branches of government and establish clear guidelines and oversight for book deals. However, the Court has chosen not to do so, leaving the issue unresolved.
In conclusion, while the book deals of Supreme Court justices have sparked debates about transparency and ethics, they continue to be a lucrative avenue for the justices to supplement their salaries. The lack of clear guidelines and oversight at the Court sets it apart from other branches of government and raises concerns about the use of court resources for personal gain.
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