Amy Coney Barrett Clarifies: Supreme Court Rulings Are More Than Just ‘Opinion Polls’

Amy Coney Barrett, a Supreme Court justice, recently shared her thoughts on the role of the court in American society. During her first television interview since joining the court in 2020, she emphasized that court decisions should not reflect personal beliefs but rather the will of the people. This conversation with Norah O’Donnell aired as part of the promotion for her new book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution, which is set to be released on September 9.

In her book, Barrett discusses the Supreme Court’s controversial decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stating it “respected the choice” of Americans. However, public opinion shows a different sentiment; a May 2024 poll indicated that over 60% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most cases. This perspective contrasts sharply with the court’s ruling that removed federal abortion protections.

Barrett’s views extend to same-sex marriage as well. A 2025 Gallup poll found that 68% of Americans support legal same-sex marriage, yet some are calling for the overturning of the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that recognized it as a constitutional right. Former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis, who gained notoriety for refusing to issue marriage licenses post-Obergefell, has asked the court to revisit this ruling.

Hillary Clinton, in a recent interview, predicted that the Supreme Court could treat same-sex marriage similarly to how it has dealt with abortion rights—by sending decisions back to individual states. Barrett responded to Clinton’s comment by saying that outside criticism should not influence the court’s decisions.

Barrett’s appointment came under scrutiny due to its timing. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rushed her confirmation just weeks after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, leading to a conservative 6-3 majority on the Court. This shift has impacted various court decisions, including those favoring executive power during Trump’s presidency.

Barrett has been open about her judicial philosophy, arguing that the law is not simply about what people think is right or wrong. Instead, she believes it is about interpreting the decisions American citizens have made. In her book, she asserts that while rights like marriage and raising children are fundamental, she considers issues like abortion and business operations differently.

Her approach keeps the focus on legal interpretation over personal opinion, reminding Americans that the court’s role is to uphold the Constitution as it stands, rather than act as a popularity contest.

For further context, you can explore the Gallup poll about legal rights here and the implications of Barrett’s views in the Guardian’s in-depth coverage here.

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