US Supreme Court unable to identify source of draft opinion leak News
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US Supreme Court unable to identify source of draft opinion leak

The US Supreme Court Thursday announced that investigators have been unable to identify the individual or individuals who leaked a draft of the court’s opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in May 2022. The court labeled the leak as a “grave assault” and unanimously agreed to the investigation. The court’s Thursday statement explains that investigators have been unable to identify anyone responsible by a preponderance of evidence. Investigators will continue to follow any leads or evidence that may be produced.

Supreme Court Marshal Gail Curley explained in her report that the months long investigation included looking at forensic evidence and interviewing all employees who had access to the draft. Curley attributed the leak to the “expansion of the ability to work from home, as well as gaps in the Court’s security policies.” She also deduced that it is unlikely that the Court’s IT department was hacked, and although it is impossible to rule out that the opinion was downloaded to removable media, it is unlikely that this method was how the opinion leaked.

The court also consulted former Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. Chertoff’s report validated the thoroughness and competence of Curley’s investigation and suggested limiting access to sensitive court documents and how they are accessed, such as through email and mobile devices.

The Supreme Court will adjust their privacy policies and security measures in order to prevent another leak in the future.