Money Talks: Supreme Court Justices' Side Jobs Revealed

In 2025, eight of the nine U. S. Supreme Court justices shared details about their extra income, gifts, and investments. The big money came from book deals and teaching gigs. Four justices made over $2 million combined from book advances, showing how powerful names can cash in on fame. One justice earned $1. 18 million alone from a book deal, while another pulled in almost $2 million the year before. That same justice also got free concert tickets worth over $4, 000 from a Puerto Rican record label during a private trip. The label didn’t say which concert she attended, but its biggest star, Bad Bunny, was performing nearby at the time. Teaching paid well too. Three justices reported extra cash from universities. One made $25, 000 for a short course abroad, another earned $18, 000 from a law school, and two others each got over $33, 000 for teaching part-time. These jobs add up, raising questions about how much outside work is too much for a judge. Some justices have faced criticism before for not always reporting trips or gifts on time. Transparency seems to be improving, but gaps still exist—like one justice missing a deadline to file reports.

Book deals aren’t rare for justices. One published a kids’ book about the Declaration of Independence, earning over $360, 000 in royalties. Another made over $800, 000 from her book, showing that legal knowledge sells. But not all earnings are equal. Some justices report their income after agent fees, while others list gross amounts before cuts. Smaller royalties, like $88, 000 from children’s books, highlight how some justices rely on steady, smaller streams instead of blockbuster deals. The mix of big money and public service sparks debate. Should judges be allowed to earn so much outside their official roles? Some argue it keeps them connected to real-world issues, while others worry it could influence their decisions. The court has faced past scandals over unreported gifts and trips, making this latest financial peek even more important. While justices disclose these earnings, the details don’t always tell the full story.

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