Celebrity Culture and the Supreme Court: Chad Oldfather on the "Inconspicuous" David Souter

Unprecedential

Since the days of John Marshall, justices have worn black robes to downplay their individuality. But in recent decades, Supreme Court justices have found themselves increasingly surrounded by a "celebrity culture" befitting politicians—or reality TV stars. If the exemplar of this trend was Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (or "RBG" to her fans), then its antithesis was Justice David Souter, who retired quietly from the Court in 2009.

Marquette University Law Professor Chad Oldfather describes this in a new paper: “The Inconspicuous DHS: The Supreme Court, Celebrity Culture, and Justice David H. Souter.” He discussed it with Adam in today's episode—an episode first scheduled before the sad news of Justice Ginsburg's passing.