Were SCOTUS Justices Caught On Open Mic Exposing Feelings About Campaign Finance Or Just Protestors?

Several conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices had harsh words for protestors advocating for campaign finance reform. But what were they really saying?

Most people don’t usually like protestors, although protesting policies and the government in America has been happening since Colonial times.

The U.S. Supreme Court is one place you don’t usually hear about protests, but back in April protestors from a group called 99Rise protested the Supreme Court justices inside the court – and it was caught live on an open mic, along with several justices’ responses. 

On its website, 99Rise says it is “building a nationwide movement to get big money out of American politics through nonviolent action. It’s time to reclaim our democracy.”

On April 1, protestors associated with 99Rise, according to CNN, screamed, “One person, one vote!,” and asked the justices if it is their “duty to protect our right to self governance,” as can be heard in the audio above. They also called for Citizens United to be overturned. 

The audio was unearthed in a discovery motion now that the protestors have been charged, but what some find interesting is the response, on a microphone the justices might not have been aware was “open,” or “hot,” that reveal an insight into either their feelings about the protestors, or campaign finance reform, or the right of citizens to protest, or any combination of the above.

Justice Antonin Scalia, under fire this week for comments he made during an affirmative action case that many find racially insensitive or even racist, muttered during the protest, “Oh Lord!” Later, he remarked they should be given stiff sentences.

“They should give them some stiff sentences is what they ought to do,” Scalia says to the other justices. “Give them stiff, stiff sentences. Stiff sentences.”

Justice Clarence Thomas responds, “Yeah, they’ll drag them out.”

Shortly, Chief Justice John Roberts addresses attendees in the courtroom.

“Anyone else interested in talking will be admonished that it’s within the authority of this court to punish such disturbances by criminal contempt,” Roberts says.

“Should do it,” Scalia responds.

“Yup,” Roberts agrees.

CNN classified the justices engaged in banter as “laughing,” and reports, “Scalia’s comments are particularly irksome for the protesters, who say it shows that the court doesn’t take the growing influence of money in politics seriously.”

“What Scalia says reflects that attitude of contempt,” 99Rise director Kai Newkirk told CNN. “It reveals an attitude — saying these people should be given ‘stiff, stiff penalties’ — that they don’t want to hear the voices of the people.”

What do you think? 

 

Image: Screenshot via CNN