Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch scolds lawyer for ‘lying’ accusation
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch had a rare and heated exchange with experienced lawyer Lisa Blatt during oral arguments on Monday in a case centered on disability discrimination in public schools. The case, A.J.T. v. Osseo Area Schools, focuses on whether school districts can be held liable for discriminating against students with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Blatt, representing the Minnesota public schools, accused the plaintiffs of lying about the school’s stance. Gorsuch scolded her for her choice of words, cautioning her to be more careful with her accusations. The plaintiffs, representing the parents of a girl with severe epilepsy, sued the public school for refusing to provide at-home schooling in the morning, an accommodation available in other districts in the state.
The tense exchange continued as Gorsuch expressed his concern over the lying accusation. Blatt attempted to defend her statement, but Gorsuch insisted that such language was inappropriate. He urged her to withdraw the accusation, to which she eventually acquiesced.
The exchange between Gorsuch and Blatt garnered attention online, with many court-watchers noting the unusual display of anger from the justice. Raffi Melkonian, an experienced appeals court litigator, remarked that he had never seen Gorsuch so agitated.
The incident highlights the intense nature of the legal proceedings in the Supreme Court and the importance of maintaining a respectful and professional demeanor during oral arguments. As the case continues to unfold, the outcome will have significant implications for how school districts handle accommodations for students with disabilities.
Breanne Deppisch, a national politics reporter for Fox News Digital, covers the Trump administration and other national news, including the Justice Department and FBI. Her coverage of this case provides valuable insight into the legal and ethical considerations at play in the Supreme Court.
