The Supreme Court is often viewed as a deeply partisan institution, with critics—especially from the Democratic side—arguing that it serves as a political tool for conservatives. However, recent rulings suggest that this perception is not entirely accurate.
One of the most surprising decisions came earlier this month when Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined Chief Justice John Roberts and the three liberal justices in ruling against President-elect Donald Trump’s petition to delay sentencing in his New York hush money case. This decision challenges the long-standing narrative that Barrett is simply a loyalist to Trump and the conservative cause.
Is the Supreme Court Truly a Conservative Stronghold?
A common misconception is that the Supreme Court always rules in favor of conservative interests. While the court does have a conservative majority, the reality is far more complex. Many of the court’s decisions, including those involving Trump, have not followed strict partisan lines.
Barrett’s ruling against Trump in his sentencing delay request is a prime example. If the court were purely partisan, it would have been expected that all conservative justices would vote in Trump’s favor. Instead, Barrett and Roberts aligned with the liberal justices, demonstrating that their decisions are not always predictable.
Amy Coney Barrett: A Justice Under Constant Scrutiny
Since her nomination by Trump in 2020, Barrett has faced intense criticism from Democrats and liberal activists. During her confirmation hearings, she was accused of being an extremist who would rubber-stamp Republican policies. Some critics went so far as to attack her personal life, including her adoption of two children from Haiti, with claims that she was a “white colonizer.” Others compared her religious beliefs to the fictional dystopia in The Handmaid’s Tale.
Many Democratic senators also insisted that Barrett should recuse herself from any cases related to Trump, simply because he appointed her. However, her record on the bench has proven that she is not beholden to the former president.
Barrett’s Key Decisions That Challenge Conservative Expectations
- Obamacare (2021) – One of the biggest fears surrounding Barrett’s appointment was that she would be instrumental in overturning the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Yet, when the case came before the court, she joined the majority in upholding the law, keeping Obamacare intact.
- Trump-Related Cases – In multiple instances, Barrett has ruled against Trump. She played a key role in rejecting his efforts to claim broad presidential immunity in criminal cases, signaling a firm stance on upholding the law over political loyalty.
- January 6 Rioters’ Charges (2023) – Barrett dissented when the conservative majority narrowed a charge used against Capitol rioters, including Trump’s own charges. She sided with the liberal justices in arguing for a broader interpretation of the law.
These rulings indicate that Barrett is not simply following conservative expectations but instead ruling based on her interpretation of the law.
The Supreme Court’s Ideological Divisions Are More Complex
While high-profile cases such as Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (which overturned Roe v. Wade) have fueled accusations of extreme conservatism, the court’s overall record tells a different story.
Studies show that in closely contested cases (6-3 or 5-4 decisions), the conservative justices are far from a monolithic voting bloc. Swing justices such as Barrett, Roberts, Brett Kavanaugh, and Neil Gorsuch often deviate from conservative positions.
In the 2022 term, Barrett agreed with liberal justices as often—or more often—than she agreed with Justice Samuel Alito, one of the court’s staunchest conservatives. Similarly, Kavanaugh has frequently sided with the court’s liberal wing. This suggests that while the court leans conservative, it is not an unbreakable ideological force.
Should Democrats Reconsider Their Opposition to Barrett?
Barrett’s track record should lead Democrats to reassess their portrayal of her as a radical conservative. While they may disagree with her jurisprudence, her decisions indicate that she is an independent thinker rather than a partisan enforcer.
Despite initial concerns, Barrett has proven to be one of the most unpredictable justices on the court. Her rulings have defied expectations, particularly when it comes to cases involving Trump. This should challenge the narrative that she was appointed solely to advance Trump’s personal and political interests.
A Justice Committed to the Law
Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s tenure on the Supreme Court has demonstrated that she is not the rigid conservative loyalist many feared. Her rulings, particularly in cases involving Trump and major policy issues, reveal a justice who is willing to diverge from the conservative majority when necessary.
While Democrats may continue to criticize her legal philosophy, the accusations that she is an extremist beholden to Trump are increasingly difficult to justify. In light of her record, it may be time for some to acknowledge that Barrett has upheld her commitment to the law rather than political ideology.
