In a recent Supreme Court ruling, Justice Sotomayor, joined by Justice Jackson, dissented against a decision allowing for the deportation of migrants to countries they are not from, criticizing the court for failing to uphold the basic human right against torture or death. The ruling specifically concerned eight men removed from the U.S. and slated for deportation to South Sudan, a nation with significant safety concerns. Sotomayor argued this action could lead to non-citizens being deported to dangerous countries without due process, while the DHS defended their actions as crucial for removing dangerous criminals. This decision sets a precedent for future deportations to third-party nations, despite potential risks to those deported.
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Justice Sotomayor’s message to lawyers, distilled to its essence, is a powerful call to action: stand up, fight, and win. It’s a rallying cry for those in the legal profession to embrace their role as champions of justice, not just as shrewd businesspeople. The implication is clear: the pursuit of justice should be a primary motivator, even if it means confronting powerful adversaries and potentially sacrificing personal gain.
The legal profession, particularly in the face of significant societal challenges, needs lawyers who are willing to take a stand. It’s a reminder that the idealistic vision of law, of fighting for truth and justice, is not antiquated or naive.… Continue reading
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt referenced President Trump’s suggestion to deport violent U.S. citizens, conditionally stating it must be legal, a point Justice Sotomayor underscored in a dissenting opinion regarding potential unlawful deportations without judicial review. This concern is further highlighted by the Abrego Garcia case, where the government resists correcting a citizen’s erroneous deportation despite admitting error. Constitutional scholars warn of the executive branch’s unchecked power if this position prevails, impacting the scope of presidential authority. The upcoming Supreme Court decision in Abrego Garcia’s case will significantly determine the extent of this power.
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I vividly recall the feeling of despair that washed over me as I closed the door to my office, alone with my thoughts and the weight of the recent Supreme Court rulings heavy on my heart. The emotion that overcame Justice Sotomayor resonated with me on a profound level. To spend a lifetime dedicated to the study of the law, only to witness that very foundation twisted and manipulated for political gain by those who should be upholding justice and fairness, is nothing short of heart-wrenching.
The sense of betrayal and powerlessness that must have consumed Justice Sotomayor in those moments is something that many of us can relate to in our own lives.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood