Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has publicly criticized the Supreme Court's shadow docket, warning that it has become a 'speed dial' for favored litigants. According to a report from Above the Law, Jackson argued that the emergency docket should not come with a VIP lane that gives some parties quicker and more favorable access to the Court's attention.
Her comments point to a broader concern that the shadow docket—used for emergency appeals and stays—can bypass the normal deliberative process. Jackson's framing suggests that repeat or well-connected litigants may receive disproportionate consideration, raising questions about whether the system treats all petitioners equally.
The remarks add to ongoing debate among legal observers about the transparency and consistency of emergency rulings. While the source does not include responses from other justices, Jackson's critique stands as a notable internal challenge to how the Court handles urgent matters.