Kagan's Kindle vs. Scalia's iPad: Justices Embrace Technology

The members of the United States Supreme Court have a reputation for being curmudgeons. So many people might be surprised to learn that Justice Kagan uses an Amazon Kindle and Justice Scalia uses an iPad. And we're not talking about watching Netflix at home.

Justice Kagan recently spoke to CSPAN about the massive amount of legal pleadings Justices have to sift though. At times there are as many as 50 friend-of-the-court briefs for one case. That is on top of the motions submitted directly by the named parties.

"So there is a lot of reading," Justice Kagan told CSPAN. "And you know that's a big part of the job and if a Kindle or an iPad can make it easier, that's terrific." It's certainly an issue that any attorney or law student that has been forced to lug around a suitcase on wheels can relate to.

Meanwhile, Scalia is thrilled at the way that the iPad has changed his working routine, now that he no longer has to "schlep the briefs around ... It's a brave new world."

Wired.com took an interest in the news that the Justices are embracing technology, but couldn't help but jokingly question whether the use of tech items demonstrate a sharp ideological divide on the court:

"Would Scalia see things differently if he read opinions on the monochrome Kindle? Does Kagan need a dose of iPad color, and maybe a round or two of Flight Control HD between court sessions? Are Kindle-wielding Justices writing angry "Mactard" and "fanboi" comments on the opinions of their opponents, while the Mac-loving faction refuses to talk or even think about anything that wasn't designed in Cupertino?"

It's a clever bit, but in reality the public should be thrilled to see the Supreme Court embracing technology. For ages many have been concerned that the Court is too far out of touch to modern society. It's an encouraging fact that Justices are using items like the Kindle and iPad to enhance their efficiency.

Related Resources:

• Trenton-born Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia loves his iPod and iPad -- but abhors TVs in the courtroom (The Associated Press)
• US Supreme Court Center (FindLaw)
• US Supreme Court Opinions (FindLaw)