The New York Times recently published a series of leaked 2016 Supreme Court memos containing private communications among the justices.

Much of the attention has focused on what those leaks revealed about the court’s use of its controversial emergency docket. But the more important story is the leaks themselves.

Leaks like these point to a deeper problem inside the court. They can erode trust, discourage candid communication between justices and disrupt the deliberative process the institution depends on.

Are Supreme Court leaks a sign of declining institutional health?

The Supreme Court has long been secretive, and leaks have been rare, though not unheard of. But since the spring 2022 leak of a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito that previewed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the court has become increasingly prone to leaks.

The recent run is a warning sign that, behind the scenes, the nation's highest court might not be functioning as smoothly as it should.

Leaks are a way to force change by generating outside pressure rather than........

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