Key facts
- Kagan said the court's conservative majority has undermined democracy.
- She stated that partisan gerrymandering is driving political candidates toward the extremes.
- Kagan cited the court's April ruling that gutted a pillar of the Voting Rights Act.
- She also referenced the court's June decision that struck down a cap on campaign finance spending.
- Kagan believes the court's rulings have created opportunities for donors to corrupt candidates.
US Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan said on Tuesday that the court's conservative majority has undermined democracy and enabled increased political polarization. Speaking to students at Catholic University's law school, Kagan stated that the conservatives have allowed partisan gerrymandering to flourish, effectively depriving citizens of their right to voting equality and driving candidates toward political extremes.
Kagan pointed to the court's April ruling that weakened the Voting Rights Act, which she said prompted redistricting efforts in the South to eliminate districts with Black majorities. She also criticized the court's June decision that removed a cap on campaign finance spending, arguing it creates opportunities for corruption.