Sotomayor Won't Break the SCOTUS Code of Silence for a 6th Grader

After watching the inauguration in January, Cameron Myers Milne — a sixth-grader from Wilson, North Carolina — decided to write the justices to explain her position on Hollingsworth v. Perry and U.S. v. Windsor. Granted, the proper format for making her case would be an amicus brief, but let’s agree to give her a break. Because she’s 11.

And she actually received a response from Justice Sonia Sotomayor, WNCT-CBS reports.

Myers Milne told Sotomayor that her two moms have been together for 26 years, and were married last year in New York. North Carolina, their home state, does not recognize same-sex marriage. She wrote, "I would like to see their marriage recognized here in our home state. Please look at our photos and think of us when you make decisions based on gay rights. We are a family. I am very proud of my parents and I hope you understand how your decision will affect my family."

(The Campaign for Southern Equality posted Myers Milne's full letter here. Check it out. It's really sweet.)

To Cameron's surprise, Justice Sotomayor actually wrote her back last month.

The Justice's letter explained that she couldn't comment on issues that might come before the Court -- maybe Justice Scalia didn't get that memo? -- and encouraged Myers Milne to "continue to think about the many important issues that impact our society."

We don't know how Justice Sotomayor will vote in Hollingsworth and Windsor, but popular opinion says the liberal block will vote for same-sex marriage, the conservative block will vote against it, and Justice Anthony Kennedy will be the decider. Hopefully, Cameron wrote a really good letter to Justice Kennedy.

The Court will hear arguments in both cases next week.

Related Resources:

• Supreme Court Justice Answers Girl's Gay Marriage Letter (Wilson Times)
• 5 Surprising Amicus Briefs in the Same Sex Marriage Cases (FindLaw's Supreme Court Blog)
• Defending DOMA: A Peek at BLAG's Briefs (FindLaw's Supreme Court Blog)