Justice Jackson Slams Court's Emergency Orders

April 16, 2026 · WOWERI

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticized her colleagues for using the court's emergency docket. She stated that such decisions can cause harm and that the court should consider the consequences of its actions.

Criticism of Emergency Orders

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson this week slammed her conservative colleagues for using the court's emergency docket, which has repeatedly benefited the Trump administration. She stated that such "scratch-paper" orders don't acknowledge the harms that can follow such decisions, making the orders "seem oblivious and thus ring hollow".

Consequences of Decisions

Justice Jackson emphasized that the court should consider the consequences of its actions and should not make decisions that can cause harm to individuals or groups. She also noted that the use of the emergency docket can undermine the court's authority and create the impression that the court is not considering the interests of all parties.

Conclusion

Justice Jackson's decision is an important step towards increasing the transparency and accountability of the court. It also highlights the need for the court to consider the consequences of its actions and not make decisions that can cause harm to individuals or groups.

Source: law360.com