Alito cites emergency cases and court overreach as judiciary challenges

Justice Samuel Alito said the Supreme Court faces rising emergency appeals and concerns about how the courts operate, during rare public remarks at the Scalia Memorial Dinner. He attributed the increase in urgent cases partly to presidents acting unilaterally when Congress does not pass their agendas, and partly to lawsuits that lead district judges to make decisions he believes can sometimes go too far.

Alito, 76, also described the judiciary as the least dangerous branch of government, while cautioning that it can cause harm when it goes astray. He addressed rumours of retirement by saying he believes he can still contribute and has no plans to leave before the end of the term; he has said politics is not a factor in his decision. He also reflected on the decline of friendly public disagreement.