Story perspectives

Supreme Court Trust Eroded by Clerk Transparency Issues

2/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nikolas Bowie, a Harvard Law professor and former Supreme Court clerk, says deliberations are often made by young clerks after social events, undermining trust when only 49% express confidence in the court.
Since 2024, clerks have signed tighter nondisclosure agreements, limiting transparency about court operations.
Fellow legal experts echoed concerns about the public's lack of understanding of the court's motivations.
The Supreme Court is currently in its 2025-2026 term.

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Story summary

Nikolas Bowie, a Harvard Law professor and former Supreme Court clerk, says deliberations are often made by young clerks after social events, undermining trust when only 49% express confidence in the court.
Since 2024, clerks have signed tighter nondisclosure agreements, limiting transparency about court operations.
Fellow legal experts echoed concerns about the public's lack of understanding of the court's motivations.
The Supreme Court is currently in its 2025-2026 term.