May 5, 2022 - Politics & Policy

Chief Justice Roberts calls Supreme Court leak "appalling"

Ivana Saric

Chief Justice John Roberts called the leak of a Supreme Court draft decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade "absolutely appalling" during an appearance Thursday at a meeting of lawyers and judges at the 11th Circuit Judicial Conference, CNN reported.

Why it matters: This was Roberts' first public appearance since news broke that the Supreme Court is prepared to potentially overturn federal abortion rights.

His remarks echo the outrage of Republican leaders over the draft's leak.

What they're saying: Roberts added of the leak that he hopes "one bad apple" doesn't change "people's perception" of the Supreme Court, per CNN.

He added that if "the person" or "people" behind the leak believe it will affect the court's work, they are "foolish," CNN reported.

The big picture: Roberts issued a statement Tuesday confirming the authenticity of the document and calling the leak a "singular and egregious" breach of trust.

He added that he had instructed the Supreme Court marshal to conduct an investigation into the leak.

Add Axios on Google

Chief Justice Roberts calls Supreme Court leak "appalling"

What to read next