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Anthony Kennedy

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description Anthony Kennedy Overview

Anthony Kennedy is an American lawyer who served as an associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1988 until his retirement in 2018. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he frequently cast the deciding vote when the Court's conservative and liberal blocs divided. His opinions influenced constitutional law concerning individual liberty, free speech, capital punishment, and LGBT rights.

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When did Anthony Kennedy retire from the Supreme Court?

Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement from the United States Supreme Court in 2018, effective July 31 of that year. His vacant seat was filled by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who was nominated by President Donald Trump.

Who appointed Anthony Kennedy to the Supreme Court?

President Ronald Reagan nominated Anthony Kennedy to the Supreme Court, and he took his seat in February 1988. He was appointed to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Lewis Powell.

Why was Anthony Kennedy considered a 'swing vote' on the Supreme Court?

During his tenure, Justice Kennedy was often the decisive vote on a deeply divided court split between conservative and liberal blocs. He frequently authored majority opinions in high-profile cases regarding civil rights, abortion, and same-sex marriage.

What landmark Supreme Court case did Anthony Kennedy write the majority opinion for regarding same-sex marriage?

In 2015, Justice Kennedy authored the majority opinion in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across all 50 states. This was one of the most significant rulings of his three-decade career on the Court.