Justice Kagan Sounds Alarm Over Supreme Court's 'Shadow Docket' and Threats to Judicial Authority

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has publicly criticized the increasing use of the Supreme Court's 'shadow docket'—emergency decisions issued without full explanation or signed opinions, often benefiting the Trump administration. Kagan emphasized that courts have a duty to explain their rulings to maintain public trust and legitimacy. She warned that government officials' defiance of court orders and escalating threats against judges pose a serious risk to the rule of law and judicial independence. Kagan urged her colleagues to exercise caution with emergency rulings and called for greater transparency in the Court's decision-making process. Her remarks highlight growing concerns about the Supreme Court's legitimacy and the potential erosion of checks and balances in the U.S. government.