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Justice Kennedy Reflects on Landmark Decisions in New Memoir

9/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy previews his memoir Life, Law and Liberty, releasing October 14.
He recalls opposition from colleagues, notably Justice Antonin Scalia, in the 2015 same-sex marriage decision.
He grappled with anti-abortion beliefs, yet upheld rights in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
A separate case involves Rosalie Markezich alleging coercion into abortion and challenging Louisiana FDA abortion-pill regulations.

History

Historical Context

The 1992 Supreme Court ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey upheld abortion rights, with Justices Kennedy and O'Connor crucial in the decision supported by 7 of 9 justices. This landmark case reflected ongoing societal debates about reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ equality, which have continued to shape legal battles in the United States into the 2010s and beyond.

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Story summary

Former Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy previews his memoir Life, Law and Liberty, releasing October 14.
He recalls opposition from colleagues, notably Justice Antonin Scalia, in the 2015 same-sex marriage decision.
He grappled with anti-abortion beliefs, yet upheld rights in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
A separate case involves Rosalie Markezich alleging coercion into abortion and challenging Louisiana FDA abortion-pill regulations.

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