Justice Kennedy's retirement won't just define his legacy. It could undo it entirely.

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy's decision to retire might just end up being the most important part of his legacy

Anthony Kennedy.
(Image credit: Illustrated | BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images, jessicahyde/iStock)

Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy's decision to retire Wednesday might just end up being the most important part of his legacy.

Given his long history as the "swing vote" on the Supreme Court, this might sound incredible. After all, Kennedy authored or was a key vote on decisions that upheld gay rights, abortion rights, and more. But it's his retirement — coming during the Trump presidency, two years after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stole a court nomination from former President Barack Obama — that may end up being much, much more meaningful.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us
Joel Mathis, The Week US

Joel Mathis is a freelance writer who has spent nine years as a syndicated columnist, co-writing the RedBlueAmerica column as the liberal half of a point-counterpoint duo. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic, The Kansas City Star and Heatmap News. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.