In a rare, impassioned moment in the Supreme Court, Justice Neil Gorsuch sharply rebuked attorney Lisa Blatt during the hearing of the disability discrimination case A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools.
A heated dispute arose between Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and attorney Lisa Blatt during discussions on a pivotal disability discrimination case, Fox News reported on Tuesday.
At the heart of the case, the school district is being questioned for possibly violating the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This followed their alleged refusal to accommodate a female student suffering from severe epilepsy with necessary at-home schooling in the morning.
The controversy escalated when Lisa Blatt, who has appeared before the Supreme Court numerous times, accused the plaintiffs of "lying" about the position of the public school. Justice Gorsuch promptly corrected her, recommending a more neutral term, "incorrect," instead of "lying," which he found unnecessarily accusatory.
"Ms. Blatt, I confess I’m still troubled by your suggestion that your friends on the other side have lied,” Gorsuch remarked during the exchange, clearly expecting a reconsideration from Blatt.
Despite her initial resistance, Blatt subsequently retracted her statement following Gorsuch’s firm directive. "Withdraw your accusation, Ms. Blatt," demanded Gorsuch. With a curt response, Blatt complied, stating, "Fine, I withdraw."
Observers noted Justice Gorsuch's unusually stern demeanor. Raffi Melkonian, an experienced appeals court litigator, expressed his surprise on social media, noting it was unprecedented to hear Gorsuch so visibly upset. “I've never heard Justice Gorsuch so angry,” he stated, highlighting the rarity of such an emotional display in the typically stoic settings of the Supreme Court.
This judicial drama unfolded as the parents of the girl with epilepsy watched, represented by plaintiffs who, in their rebuttal, declined to engage with what they termed "name-calling."
The courtroom dialogue briefly delved into the specifics of the case documentation. "OK," Blatt said tentatively, "Let’s pull it up. In oral arguments…" She was attempting to clarify her earlier comments by referring directly to the case's details.
Justice Gorsuch emphasized the importance of careful language. "You can accuse people of being incorrect, but lying is another matter," he explained. This distinction highlights the high standards of conduct expected in legal discourse, particularly at the level of the Supreme Court.
The remainder of the hearing continued with a focus on the technical aspects of the case, involving intricate legal details about discrimination laws and the responsibility of public schools towards students with disabilities.
The plaintiffs, while strongly challenging the school’s policy, presented their case with a focus on what they believed was a clear disregard for the requisite accommodations mandated by federal law.
Gorsuch's insistence on civility and precision in language underscores the delicate balance justices must maintain in interpreting the law, ensuring that every word used in their courtroom reflects the gravity and respect the institution commands.
In reflection of the day's events, the interaction between Justice Gorsuch and Lisa Blatt may serve as a pivotal example of courtroom decorum and the broader implications of linguistic precision in legal arguments. Such moments, though stark, are pivotal in shaping the tone and nature of legal discourse in the highest courts.
