New at Reason: Jacob Sullum on John Paul Stevens' Inconsistent Defense of Individual Rights

April 14, 2010

As Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens "gradually became the leader of the court's liberal wing," The New York Times reports, "he became increasingly skeptical of claims of government power." According to a Washington Post editorial, "his voice was consistently raised on behalf of those vulnerable to government excesses." Senior Editor Jacob Sullum argues that such descriptions of Stevens, which were common after he announced his retirement last week, are based on a highly selective concern about state power. Sullum says a closer look at Stevens' record shows he has been anything but consistent in his opposition to government excesses and that in some ways he has become less inclined to protect constitutional rights.

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