Ever wonder what the nine justices of the US Supreme Court do when court is not in session? Their financial disclosures offer intriguing views into their lives beyond the courtroom. Recently released disclosures for 2018 reveal fascinating details about how these justices manage their finances, including travel, stock sales, and extra income from book royalties and speaking engagements.
According to USA Today, Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had a particularly active 2018, traveling extensively for various speaking engagements. Her travels took her to places like Israel, Jordan, and Italy, as well as Park City, Utah, where she attended the premiere of a documentary about her life during the Sundance Film Festival. This glimpse into her activities underscores the diverse roles justices fulfill beyond their judicial responsibilities.
Another noteworthy aspect of these disclosures is the financial transactions made by the justices. Chief Justice John Roberts sold approximately $250,000 worth of AT&T stock, earning a reported profit of around $100,000. Meanwhile, Associate Justices Stephen Breyer and Samuel Alito opted not to sell their stocks, raising concerns among reform advocates about potential conflicts of interest. Gabe Roth, executive director of the advocacy group Fix the Court, has highlighted the importance of justices divesting from stocks to prevent future recusals and maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
What You Will Learn
- The travel habits and speaking engagements of Supreme Court justices.
- Key financial transactions among justices, including stock sales.
- The implications of justices holding stocks on judicial integrity.
- Additional income sources for justices, including book royalties.
| Justice | Salary | Travel Trips | Book Royalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruth Bader Ginsburg | $255,300 | 14 | N/A |
| John Roberts | $267,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Neil Gorsuch | $255,300 | N/A | $225,000 |
| Sonia Sotomayor | $255,300 | N/A | $33,000 |
| Clarence Thomas | $255,300 | N/A | $28,000 |
