The Incredible Power of Anthony Kennedy

Stuart Taylor: “It’s no secret that Kennedy’s uniquely eclectic mix of views enables him to tip the balance to the left in 5-4 decisions on politically drenched issues including gay rights, abortion, and the death penalty, and to the right on issues including states’ rights, campaign spending, and guns.”

“But how aware are most Americans that taken together, these facts mean that a 77-year-old man whose name is recognized by only 41 percent of the public–fewer than all but one of his eight colleagues–has more power by far than any president (or justice) in history to decree the law of the land on all of the issues mentioned above? Plus other issues, including racial affirmative-action preferences, free speech, school discipline, school integration, school prayer, the death penalty, and much more.”