Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has spoken openly about one of the lesser-discussed realities of serving on the United States Supreme Court.
Appearing on former first lady Michelle Obama’s “IMO Podcast,” Jackson described how her daily life has been fundamentally altered since joining the nation’s highest court.
The justice spoke candidly about the loss of ordinary freedoms that most people take entirely for granted in their everyday lives.
“I think the thing that has been most startling in a way has been the need for security in a way that you didn’t have before,” Jackson said during the appearance.
She explained that the heightened security requirements have forced her to significantly rethink how she moves through the world outside of her official duties.
“It has meant really having to adjust my life, because I can’t just go out in any meaningful way as I used to,” she said, describing the situation plainly and without reservation.
Jackson acknowledged that this loss of personal freedom carries a real emotional weight, describing the experience as leaving her feeling “confined” at times.
“And that can be a downside — just not being able to live a normal life,” she added, summarising the personal toll that comes with the elevated position.
Jackson noted that Supreme Court justices have been provided with round-the-clock security protection ever since the 2022 leak of the draft decision that ultimately overturned Roe v. Wade.
That leak marked a significant turning point for the court, dramatically raising security concerns across the institution and changing the daily lives of all nine justices.
The comments offer a rare and personal glimpse into how life changes for those appointed to one of the most powerful legal positions in the United States.
While a seat on the Supreme Court represents the pinnacle of a legal career, Jackson’s remarks serve as a reminder that the role carries significant personal sacrifices alongside its considerable prestige and influence.