What Is Amy Coney Barrett? | The New York Sun

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Justice Amy Coney Barrett: A Swing Vote?

This article from the New York Sun explores the evolving role of Justice Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court. It questions whether she is becoming a swing vote, given instances where her opinions have aligned with liberal justices.

Key Decisions and Reactions

The article highlights Barrett's involvement in cases concerning the Alien Enemies Act and the Trump administration's foreign aid freeze. Her decisions in these cases have drawn criticism from both the left and the right, surprising those who expected a more consistently conservative approach.

  • Alien Enemies Act case: Barrett sided partially with liberal justices, leading to criticism from some conservatives.
  • Foreign aid freeze: Barrett joined the liberals and Chief Justice Roberts to undo the freeze, causing backlash from some MAGA supporters.

Barrett's Background and Judicial Philosophy

The article briefly discusses Barrett's background, highlighting her education at Notre Dame Law School and her clerkships with conservative figures. The article also notes her devout Catholic faith, which has been a topic of discussion during her confirmation hearings.

Historical Context and Analysis

The piece draws parallels between Barrett and past Supreme Court justices who also exhibited a moderate or unpredictable voting pattern during their time on the court, emphasizing the lifetime appointments of judges and the potential for evolving judicial philosophies.

Conclusion

The article concludes by reiterating the question posed at the outset: who or what is Amy Coney Barrett? It suggests that her time on the Supreme Court shows her to be a conservative justice with an unpredictable, or 'maverick', streak, making her difficult to categorize.

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