Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has appeared on the cover of the latest issue of Essence magazine, sparking debate over the appropriateness of her actions as a member of the Supreme Court.
Some critics argue that Jackson is seeking publicity in ways that are not suitable for a Supreme Court Justice, likening her to a celebrity rather than a judge.
Andrew Fleischman, a Georgia trial and appeal lawyer, wrote that "Supreme Court Justices are not celebrities and should not be treated like celebrities." He added that the magazine cover, featuring Jackson in a purple coat and smiling directly at the reader, is particularly problematic.
The Essence magazine cover reads "the people's champion" beneath Jackson's photo, a caption that some believe blurs the line between judicial service and celebrity.
Others have pointed out that Jackson's public appearances outside the court have drawn criticism from some conservatives and legal observers, who argue that events such as the Grammy Awards and a Vogue photoshoot risk confusing the boundaries between judicial service and celebrity.
Laura Powell, a civil liberties attorney, wrote that "Supreme Court justices shouldn’t be celebrities" and that they "don’t have to run for office and don’t need political slogans like ‘The People’s Champion.’ They should simply do their job of interpreting the law according to constitutional principles."
Jackson is not the only justice whose outside activities have drawn scrutiny. Other members of the court report income, teaching payments, travel reimbursements, and gifts in annual financial disclosures.
Sitting Supreme Court Justices have previously appeared on magazine covers, including the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2015 and Sonia Sotomayor in 2009.
Some have pointed out that Alexander Hamilton explicitly warned that judges would need to avoid the temptation to be seen as champions of the people in the Federalist Papers.
Even some on the left have taken issue with Jackson’s magazine cover, with one progressive advocate writing that "we really need that SCOTUS code of ethics."
Jackson has responded to criticism over her public appearances by arguing that part of her job is "public outreach and education," and that she sees her role as an opportunity to engage with the community.
