Americans’ Perception of Conservative Supreme Court Justices Shifts

The American public’s perception of several conservative Supreme Court justices has become more negative over the past year, as reflected by a recent national poll. The YouGov/The Economist survey indicated that Justices Clarence Thomas, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh experienced a decline in favorability ratings compared to a similar poll conducted a year earlier.

Poll Findings on Public Opinion

Among the three justices, Amy Coney Barrett saw the most significant drop, with an increase in “very unfavorable” ratings. Thomas and Kavanaugh also faced declining ratings, with Chief Justice John Roberts experiencing a swing of -2 year over year. The overview of American approval for the Supreme Court as a whole is also declining as shown by the survey. Public sentiment remains deeply divided along party lines, with Democrats expressing unfavorable opinions about the court’s conservative justices, while Republicans continue to support them.

Detailed Poll Results

The Supreme Court’s overall approval rating stands at 36 percent, with a 50 percent disapproval rating. 9 percent of respondents consider the court “too liberal,” while 44 percent view it as “too conservative.”

These results follow several significant decisions, including those related to birthright citizenship and presidential power. When asked about the balance of power given to the president by the court, 45 percent believe the court has granted too much power, 29 percent think it has given the right amount, and 9 percent say it is too little. The survey reports that 17 percent were unsure.

Insights on Individual Justice Favorability

The poll, conducted with 1,603 U.S. adults between July 3 and July 6, has a margin of error of 3.3 percent. Below are specifics regarding each justice’s favorability ratings:

• Chief Justice John Roberts: Currently at 25 percent favorability versus 36 percent unfavorable, with net approval of -11 percent. Last year’s findings were 27 percent favorability, equating to a -9 percent net approval.
• Brett Kavanaugh: This year, his favorability is 27 percent compared to a 37 percent unfavorable rating, with a net approval at -10 percent. Last year, it was 31 percent favorability and -8 percent net approval.
• Neil Gorsuch: Currently at 23 percent favorability and 30 percent unfavorable rating, with net favorability of -7 percent, improving from -8 percent last year.
• Elena Kagan: Holds a 30 percent favorability rating and 24 percent unfavorable rating, leading to a net favorability of 6 percent. It was -3 percent last year.
• Sonia Sotomayor: Her favorability is 37 percent, unfavorable at 26 percent, resulting in 11 percent net favorability; previously 4 percent last year.
• Samuel Alito: Stands at 25 percent favorability versus 32 percent unfavorable, yielding -7 percent net favorability compared to -6 percent last year.
• Amy Coney Barrett: Her favorability is 23 percent against 38 percent unfavorable, with net favorability at -15 percent, up from -9 percent last year.
• Clarence Thomas: Shows 29 percent favorability and 41 percent unfavorable rating, netting -12 percent compared to -9 percent last year.
• Ketanji Brown Jackson: Currently 34 percent favorable versus 26 percent unfavorable, providing a net favorability of 8 percent, up from 2 percent last year.

Analysis on Shifts in Justice Favorability

Dave Aronberg, former Palm Beach County State Attorney, shared insights with Newsweek, explaining, “The substantial drop in favorability isn’t linked to one decision or president. It’s the cumulative impact of an activist Court viewed by Americans as political. Decisions overturning Roe v. Wade, dismantling the Voting Rights Act, and granting unprecedented presidential immunity have disrupted public trust. Justice Barrett, meanwhile, has discontented both parties with her rulings, which is why her ratings are lower than the rest.”

Newsweek reached out to the Supreme Court for comment on the findings.