Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor shares insights about her latest book in Philadelphia, examining the influences of her mother on her judicial career at the Supreme Court.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was in Philadelphia on Tuesday, where she spoke with our website's Cherri Gregg about her new children's book, "Just Shine! How to Be a Better You."
The book, which aims to help others "discover their inner brilliance," was inspired by the passing of Sotomayor's mother, who hailed from Puerto Rico. As Sotomayor reflected on her mother's death, she had an epiphany that led her to begin crafting a children's novel.
Sotomayor's mother was known for her ability to make others feel special, and the book imparts examples of things that are important about human relations. The book's sponsors include PBS and the Library of Congress.
During the event, Sotomayor answered fan-submitted questions and joked about her disagreements with fellow Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Despite their differing beliefs, Sotomayor said she lets it go after expressing her opinion, joking that she disagrees with Thomas's beliefs but "let[s] it go."
This year, Sotomayor has offered dissenting opinions on several Supreme Court cases, including decisions regarding immigration operations in Los Angeles and the Trump administration's plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. However, she did concur with a decision this year to allow mass federal layoffs.
Sotomayor served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1998 to 2009, before President Barack Obama nominated her as an associate justice of the Supreme Court on May 26, 2009. She assumed this role on Aug. 8, 2009.
Justice Clarence Thomas, known for his personal interest in the well-being of the Supreme Court's employees, shows empathy towards his colleagues, often inquiring about their personal lives. Despite their disagreements on the bench, Thomas and Sotomayor have a respectful relationship.
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