Following a report suggesting potential ethics concerns regarding Justice Sonia Sotomayor's book promotions, the Supreme Court has come to her defense. The Associated Press (AP) report, based on extensive public records requests, examined the involvement of taxpayer-funded court staff in promoting Sotomayor's books, which have reportedly earned her millions since joining the court in 2009. While the report highlighted email exchanges related to book appearances at various institutions, the Supreme Court insists no unethical conduct occurred.

The Court's statement emphasizes that justices routinely engage in speaking engagements and that staff assistance with ethics, travel, and security is standard practice. It also clarifies that staff help ensure compliance with judicial ethics guidance, including those related to book publications. The Court specifically denied that attendees were ever required to purchase Sotomayor's books, addressing the AP's focus on an email exchange regarding her children's book, "Just Ask!". The Court maintains that even if book purchases were required for signings, it wouldn't violate ethical guidelines.

The Multnomah County Library, mentioned in the AP report, confirmed hosting Sotomayor but clarified that a local bookseller handled book sales. The AP report also detailed other Sotomayor appearances where book sales were discussed, including events at universities and colleges. Michigan State University, which purchased copies of Sotomayor's memoir for incoming students, explained that the book was chosen through a community program and that Sotomayor's visit was appreciated.

The AP report also noted the involvement of Sotomayor's publisher, Penguin Random House, in organizing talks and sometimes encouraging book purchases. The Supreme Court acknowledged an oversight in not bringing Penguin Random House's involvement in certain cases to Sotomayor's attention, but stated that those cases were not reviewed by the Court and that conflict check procedures have been updated.

The Supreme Court reiterated the importance of justices' public engagement and emphasized that speaking engagements, including those related to books, are a common practice encouraged by the Code of Conduct.