Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy is set to release a two-volume memoir this fall, chronicling his life journey from his upbringing in California to his three-decade tenure on the court. The memoir, titled “Life and Law: The Early Years” and “Life and Law: The Court Years,” is scheduled for publication on October 1 by Simon & Schuster. The two volumes will be available as a boxed set or as individual editions, each spanning approximately 320 pages.
During his time on the bench, Justice Kennedy played a pivotal role in several landmark cases that shaped American jurisprudence. Notably, he authored the majority opinion in cases such as Obergefell v. Hodges, which established the constitutional right to same-sex marriage, and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which allowed for unlimited spending by corporations and external entities in election campaigns.
Simon & Schuster's announcement highlighted that the memoir delves into Justice Kennedy's approach to judging, offering insights into his decision-making process. The second volume features poignant portraits of fellow Justices O’Connor, Rehnquist, Scalia, and Ginsburg, providing context for his views in significant cases. The first volume, on the other hand, delves into his formative years in Sacramento and his legal career, shedding light on the man behind the judicial legacy.
In the preface to the memoir, Justice Kennedy reflected on the evolution of his recollections, noting the societal changes that influenced his perspectives over the decades. He emphasized the importance of continuous self-discovery and growth, stating that writing a memoir serves as a formal means to achieve this.
Justice Kennedy, who served as an associate justice from 1988 to 2018, made headlines both upon his appointment and retirement. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan after a tumultuous nomination process, his departure paved the way for the nomination and confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2018.
Justice Kennedy's memoir is slated for release shortly after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's upcoming memoir, “Lovely One,” which is set to be published on September 3.
