Fact Check: "Justice Sotomayor calls the ruling shameful and morally corrupt."
What We Know
Justice Sonia Sotomayor delivered a dissenting opinion regarding a Supreme Court ruling that limited the scope of criminal charges against former President Donald Trump, particularly concerning his actions related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. In her dissent, she described the ruling as allowing a president to become a "king above the law," and referred to the majority opinion as "utterly indefensible" (AP News). Sotomayor expressed concern that the decision would create a "law-free zone around the president," which she argued would have disastrous consequences for both the presidency and American democracy (AP News). She emphasized that the ruling undermines the accountability of the presidency, stating, "I am deeply troubled by the idea ... that our nation loses something valuable when the president is forced to operate within the confines of federal criminal law" (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Justice Sotomayor called the ruling "shameful and morally corrupt" is not directly supported by her dissent. While she did use strong language to criticize the ruling, such as calling it "utterly indefensible" and expressing fear for democracy, the specific terms "shameful" and "morally corrupt" do not appear in her dissent. This distinction is important as it highlights the difference between her sentiments and the exact phrasing of the claim.
The source of this information, an article from the Associated Press, is generally considered reliable and reputable. However, the interpretation of Sotomayor's dissent may vary based on the framing of the claim. The article focuses on her concerns about presidential accountability and the implications of the ruling, providing a comprehensive view of her dissenting opinion (AP News).
In evaluating the reliability of the source, the Associated Press is known for its journalistic standards and fact-checking practices, making it a credible source for political reporting. However, the interpretation of Sotomayor's words can be subjective, and different outlets may frame her dissent in various ways.
Conclusion
The claim that "Justice Sotomayor calls the ruling shameful and morally corrupt" is Partially True. While she did express strong disapproval of the ruling and used phrases that convey a sense of moral outrage, she did not use the exact terms "shameful" or "morally corrupt." Thus, while the essence of her dissent aligns with the sentiment of the claim, the specific wording is inaccurate.
