Sonia Sotomayor
Appointed by Barack Obama
Confirmed in 2009
Biography
Justice Sotomayor became the first Latina Supreme Court Justice when she was appointed in 2009. She previously served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Ideology Score
Very Liberal
Based on Martin-Quinn Score Analysis
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.
Years on Court
17
Since 2009
Appointed By
Barack Obama
2009
Notable Rulings
Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action
2014
Dissented from upholding Michigan's ban on affirmative action in higher education.
Read OpinionUtah v. Strieff
2016
Dissented from allowing evidence from illegal stops to be used in court.
Read OpinionTrump v. Hawaii
2018
Dissented from upholding the Trump administration's travel ban.
Read OpinionDobbs v. Jackson Women's Health
2022
Joined the dissent opposing the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Read OpinionCareer Path
Manhattan DA's Office
Pavia & Harcourt
S.D. New York
U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
Supreme Court of the United States · 2009–Present
⚠️ Controversies & Allegations (1)
'Wise Latina' Controversy
A 2001 speech in which Sotomayor said a 'wise Latina woman' might reach better decisions than a white male drew criticism during her confirmation hearings. She called it a poor word choice.
Source: Senate Judiciary Committee, 2009
Financial Disclosures
Annual financial disclosure reports as required by the Ethics in Government Act.