Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has faced scrutiny over her staff’s efforts to persuade public institutions to purchase her books, generating royalties for her. The Associated Press recently obtained documents through open records requests, shedding light on these activities that have largely remained out of public view.
Sotomayor’s memoir and children’s books have earned her at least $3.7 million since she joined the Supreme Court in 2009. The documents reveal instances where taxpayer-funded court staff have played a role in promoting and organizing speaking engagements to boost book sales. This conduct is prohibited for members of Congress and the executive branch, as ethics rules prevent them from using government resources for personal financial gain.
The documents highlight how Sotomayor’s staff urged public institutions, such as colleges and libraries, to purchase her books in exchange for a visit from the renowned justice. For example, an aide named Anh Le pushed the Multnomah County Library to ensure they had an adequate supply of Sotomayor’s book, Just Ask, as a requirement for attending an event. The aide stated that families often purchased multiple copies, and it would be disappointing if people couldn’t participate due to sold-out books.
This approach was not isolated, as Sotomayor’s staff also suggested book signings and encouraged the purchase of signed copies during her visit to the University of California, Davis law school and the University of Wisconsin. While writing books is not uncommon for Supreme Court justices, Sotomayor stands out for leveraging publicly sponsored travel to boost her book sales.
The revelations create concerns about the ethical use of taxpayer dollars. Kedric Payne, general counsel for the Campaign Legal Center, emphasized that the staff’s involvement in promoting personal book ventures violates a basic tenet of ethics laws designed to protect taxpayer funds from misuse. The Supreme Court’s lack of oversight in such matters is worrisome, as there is no one to hold the justices accountable for any potential wrongdoing.
It is worth noting that Sotomayor’s annual salary of $285,400 does not restrict her from earning money through book sales. However, the extensive involvement of Supreme Court staff in promoting these ventures raises questions regarding conflicts of interest and the proper use of government resources.
The absence of coverage by major news networks regarding this matter highlights potential hypocrisy when it comes to their reporting of conflicts of interest, particularly those involving conservative justices like Samuel Alito or Clarence Thomas. While ABC’s World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, and NBC Nightly News covered a disruptive passenger incident, a volcanic eruption, and a prisoner’s release, respectively, they failed to report on the revelations surrounding Sotomayor’s book sales and the potential misuse of government resources.
As the news regarding Justice Sotomayor unfolds, it remains crucial to maintain journalistic integrity by presenting a balanced view of the topic. Including different perspectives and opinions will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the matter. This not only contributes to informed discussions but also showcases the adherence to journalistic principles.
