Supreme Court Poll Shows Decreased Public Approval for Conservative Justices

Negative Shift in Perceptions

The American public’s perception of several conservative Supreme Court justices has taken a negative turn over the past year. A recent national poll conducted by YouGov/The Economist reveals this shift, indicating that the net favorability ratings of Justices Clarence Thomas, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh have declined compared to the previous year. Barrett experienced the most significant decrease, with an increase in “very unfavorable” ratings year over year. Both Thomas and Kavanaugh also saw dips in favorability, with Kavanaugh’s net change recorded at -2 year over year, alongside Chief Justice John Roberts.

Supreme Court’s Overall Approval

The survey indicates a decline in overall approval for the Supreme Court. Public opinion remains divided along political lines, with Democrats expressing more negative views of the court’s conservative justices compared to Republicans who maintain favorable ratings.

What the Poll Shows

The poll released on Tuesday shows the Supreme Court’s approval rating at 36 percent while disapproval sits at 50 percent. Additionally, 9 percent of respondents consider the court “too liberal” and 44 percent view it as “too conservative.” The poll follows several significant decisions related to birthright citizenship and presidential power. When asked about the High Court’s rulings on presidential power, 45 percent said it grants too much power, 29 percent believe the amount is appropriate, and 9 percent feel it provides too little. Uncertainty remained for 17 percent of those surveyed. The poll surveyed 1,603 U.S. adults from July 3-6, with a margin of error of 3.3 percent.

Breakdown of Supreme Court Justices’ Favorability

Chief Justice John Roberts: Appointed by former President George W. Bush, Roberts posted a favorability rating of 25 percent and an unfavorable rating of 36 percent. Last year, his favorability was at 27 percent compared to the same unfavorable score, resulting in a net approval of -11 this year.

Brett Kavanaugh: Kavanaugh’s favorability this year is 27 percent against a 37 percent unfavorable rating. Last year, under President Donald Trump, his favorability was 31 percent compared to a 39 percent unfavorable score, showing a net approval of -10 this year.

Neil Gorsuch: Appointed by Trump, Gorsuch has a favorability rating of 23 percent and an unfavorable rating of 30 percent this year. Last year, these figures were 25 percent favorable and 33 percent unfavorable. His improving net favorability this year is -7 versus last year’s -8.

Elena Kagan: Kagan shows a favorable rating of 30 percent and a 24 percent unfavorable rating, leading to a net favorability of 6 percent this year. Last year, her ratings were 26 percent favorable against 30 percent unfavorable.

Sonia Sotomayor: Sotomayor’s favorability is 37 percent against a 26 percent unfavorable rating this year, making her net favorability 11 percent. Last year’s ratings were 36 percent favorable, 31 percent unfavorable.

Samuel Alito: Alito’s ratings are 25 percent favorable and 32 percent unfavorable, giving a net favorability of -7 percent. Last year’s figures were 28 percent favorable against 33 percent unfavorable.

Amy Coney Barrett: Barrett’s favorability is 23 percent and unfavorable is 38 percent. Last year, Barrett showed 28 percent favorable compared to 37 percent unfavorable, leading to a net favorability of -15.

Clarence Thomas: Thomas comes in with a 29 percent favorability and a 41 percent disapproval rating, marking a net approval of -12 this year.

Ketanji Brown Jackson: Appointed by President Joe Biden, Jackson shows favorability at 34 percent against 26 percent unfavorable this year, improving on last year’s 2 percent net favorability.

Analyst Insights

Former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg expressed to Newsweek that the significant drop in Barrett’s favorability links to widespread concern about the activist nature of the court. High-profile rulings such as overturning Roe v. Wade and dismantling key Voting Rights Act provisions have shaken public trust. Aronberg noted Barrett’s rulings have alienated both political sides, which is reflected in her unfavorable ratings.

Newsweek reached out to the Supreme Court for comment on Tuesday.