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Associate JusticeLiberal

Elena Kagan

Appointed by Barack Obama

Confirmed in 2010

Biography

Justice Kagan has served on the Supreme Court since 2010. Before her appointment, she served as the U.S. Solicitor General and was the first woman to serve as Dean of Harvard Law School.

Ideology Score

-1.95

Liberal

Based on Martin-Quinn Score Analysis

-4
Very Liberal
0
Moderate
+4
Very Conservative

About Martin-Quinn Scores

Martin-Quinn scores measure judicial ideology based on voting patterns. Negative scores indicate liberal voting patterns, while positive scores indicate conservative patterns. The scale typically ranges from -4 to +4.

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Years on Court

16

Since 2010

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Appointed By

Barack Obama

2010

Notable Rulings

National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius

2012

Dissent

Dissented in part, arguing the entire Affordable Care Act should be upheld.

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Obergefell v. Hodges

2015

Majority

Joined the majority legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide.

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Janus v. AFSCME

2018

Dissent

Dissented from ruling that public sector unions cannot collect fees from non-members.

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Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health

2022

Dissent

Joined the dissent opposing the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

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Career Path

Law Clerk1987–1988

Justice Thurgood Marshall, SCOTUS

Associate Counsel1995–1999

Clinton White House Counsel's Office

Dean2003–2009

Harvard Law School

Solicitor General2009–2010

United States

Associate Justice

Supreme Court of the United States · 2010–Present

Financial Disclosures

Annual financial disclosure reports as required by the Ethics in Government Act.