Following yesterday’s decision handing a big win for First Amendment freedoms to pregnancy care centers in California, Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy is announcing his retirement from the nation’s highest court. In NIFLA v. Becerra, Justice Kennedy did side with the pro life pregnancy care centers, but he has not always done so. In fact, over the years, Justice Kennedy has consistently upheld the Roe v. Wade ruling. Justice Kennedy’s announcement comes after serving over thirty years as a Justice.
Justice Kennedy personally delivered his retirement letter to President Trump after Court this morning.
— SCOTUSblog (@SCOTUSblog) June 27, 2018
Without a doubt, Kennedy’s announcement has begun a massive battle over who will replace the vacant seat left by him upon his retirement.
According to a statement from the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy informed his colleagues that he is submitting his resignation to President Trump, effective July 1 of this year, just four days away.
Justice Kennedy is retiring. #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/jhLIM8VyLL
— Kimberly Robinson (@KimberlyRobinsn) June 27, 2018
Justice Kennedy said: “It has been the greatest honor and privilege to serve our nation in the federal judiciary for 43 years, 30 of those years on the Supreme Court.”
Pro life individuals are hopeful that his replacement will mean the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
Justice Kennedy just announced his retirement from US Supreme Court.
If the next Justice appointed supports the basic human right to life for ALL people, this could be the end of the horrific, immoral and unjust 1973 Roe v Wade decision.
— Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) June 27, 2018
In his letter to President Trump, Justice Kennedy wrote, “This letter is a respectful and formal notification of my decision, effective July 31 of this year, to end my regular active status as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court… For a member of the legal profession it is the highest of honors to serve on this Court. Please permit me by this letter to express my profound gratitude for having had the privilege to seek in each case how to best know, interpret, and defend the Constitution and the laws that must always conform to its mandates and promises.”
President Trump said, “We will begin our search for a new justice of the United States Supreme Court. That will begin immediately.” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated that Justice Kennedy’s successor will be confirmed by this fall.
Kennedy’s retirement gives President Trump and Congress the opportunity to create a decidedly conservative Court that will likely last for decades. If you’re coming up to your retirement, get a free calculation with Key Advice to see where your financial health stands.
