Royalties. Teaching gigs. A concert in Puerto Rico. Financial forms offer view inside Supreme Court

June 30, 2026 - 03:36

New financial disclosure forms released this week offer a rare glimpse into the personal finances of the nine Supreme Court justices, revealing a mix of book royalties, teaching salaries, and even a concert performance. The filings, which cover calendar year 2023, show that several justices continue to earn substantial income from published works, while others reported gifts and outside speaking engagements.

Justice Neil Gorsuch reported over $500,000 in book royalties for his 2022 title "A Republic, If You Can Keep It," along with a teaching position at the University of Notre Dame. Justice Sonia Sotomayor disclosed royalties from her children's books and her memoir "My Beloved World." Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson reported an advance for her upcoming memoir, though the exact figure was redacted.

Perhaps the most unusual entry came from Justice Samuel Alito, who listed a concert he performed in Puerto Rico. The event, a classical music performance, earned him a modest honorarium. Justice Clarence Thomas, who has faced scrutiny over undisclosed gifts in past years, reported a $50,000 gift from a longtime friend, as well as book royalties.

The disclosures also highlight the justices' ongoing participation in academic life. Several reported teaching law school courses, with income ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $30,000 per course. These outside earnings are permitted under federal ethics rules, though critics argue they create potential conflicts of interest.

The filings come amid renewed debate over Supreme Court ethics reform. While the justices are not bound by the same code of conduct as lower federal judges, they voluntarily file these annual reports. The new disclosures do not include details about travel or lodging expenses, which have been a source of controversy in recent years.