Supreme Court Abortion Leak Was a ‘Cowardly’ Act, Retired Justice Says

  • Kennedy says courts should recommit to judicial independence
  • Draft opinion overturning abortion rights leaked early in May

Anthony Kennedy in 2020.

Photographer: Andrew Harnik/AP Photo/Bloomberg

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Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy added his voice to those condemning the historic leak of a draft opinion that suggests the court will overturn its landmark abortion ruling, Roe v. Wade.

The 85-year-old jurist said it was a “cowardly, corrupt, contemptuous act,” in remarks made public Friday at an event marking the 300th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.