Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has shared her experiences presiding over politically charged cases during the Trump administration in her new memoir, "Lovely One: A Memoir."
According to the Washington Examiner, Jackson's book offers a firsthand account of her time as a federal trial court judge in Washington, D.C., where she dealt with complex legal disputes under intense scrutiny.
In her memoir, Jackson describes her role as a "first responder" in the federal judicial system, highlighting the pressure and responsibility of being a trial judge. She recounts several high-profile cases she presided over, including the infamous "PizzaGate" incident and challenges to Trump administration policies.
One of the most bizarre cases Jackson mentions in her memoir is the "PizzaGate" incident. She sentenced a man to four years in prison for discharging an automatic rifle inside a D.C. pizza parlor. The man was reportedly under the delusion that Hillary Clinton was operating a child-trafficking ring in the nonexistent basement of the shop.
Jackson also discusses her rulings on executive orders issued by former President Donald Trump. These orders sought to alter collective bargaining processes between federal employees and agencies. In her decisions, Jackson upheld some of the proposed changes while invalidating others.
Another significant case involved the Trump administration's attempt to expand a program designed to expedite deportations under a federal immigration statute. Jackson struck down this effort, ruling that the administration had not followed the necessary procedural requirements for implementing such policy changes.
The most widely covered case Jackson discusses in her book is her 2019 ruling against former White House counsel Donald McGahn. In a 120-page opinion, Jackson found that McGahn could not legally defy a subpoena issued by the House Judiciary Committee. This ruling rejected the Trump administration's claim of "absolute immunity" for current and former officials.
Jackson wrote in her opinion:
The court ... declared for the first time in history that the most powerful official in the United States can (under circumstances yet to be fully determined) become a law unto himself.
In her memoir, Jackson provides insight into the challenges faced by trial judges, particularly during politically sensitive times. She recalls a comparison made by a veteran jurist, who likened trial court judges to "unsung heroes who are operating directly on the battlefield" while describing appellate court judges as soldiers who come "riding in on the back of a horse — to shoot the wounded."
Jackson reflected on this analogy throughout her nearly eight years on the district court, finding it humorous and accurate. This perspective offers readers a glimpse into the pressures and responsibilities of serving as a federal trial judge.
Jackson's memoir also touches on her personal life and career achievements. She discusses her relationship with her husband, Dr. Patrick Jackson, and shares an anecdote about her daughter Leila writing a letter to President Obama when Jackson was being considered for a Supreme Court position.
As the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court and Biden's only appointee thus far, Jackson's memoir provides a unique perspective on her journey to the nation's highest court. She reflects on the nomination process and the significance of her appointment in the context of the court's history and composition.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's memoir offers readers an inside look at her experiences as a federal trial court judge during the Trump administration. She recounts several high-profile cases, including the "PizzaGate" incident and her ruling against former White House counsel Donald McGahn. Jackson also reflects on the challenges faced by trial judges and shares personal anecdotes about her journey to the Supreme Court. Her book provides valuable insights into the workings of the federal judiciary and the role of judges in politically charged times.
