All of the legal defense funds out there, they're looking for people out there with court of appeals experience, because court of appeals is where policy is made. And I know, I know this is on tape and I should never say that because we don't make law, I know. I know.

In this quote, Sonia Sotomayor is reflecting on the influence of the Court of Appeals in shaping policy and, by extension, law. She acknowledges that while judges technically don't "make law," as this is the purview of legislators, the decisions made in the Court of Appeals often have significant impacts on how laws are interpreted and applied. Sotomayor notes that legal defense funds look for individuals with experience in these courts because appellate courts play a key role in setting precedents and guiding the direction of legal and policy decisions.

Sotomayor’s comment reflects her understanding of the substantial influence that appellate courts can have, even if it’s not technically classified as "making law." The Court of Appeals often addresses complex legal questions, and its rulings can shape national policy in ways that affect social issues, civil rights, and government actions. Sotomayor’s careful phrasing, where she briefly "corrects" herself by saying that the court "doesn't make law," demonstrates her awareness of the boundaries between the judicial and legislative branches of government, though she acknowledges the practical reality of how court decisions influence policy.

The origin of this quote comes from Sonia Sotomayor, a Supreme Court justice appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. Prior to her appointment, Sotomayor served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, where she gained extensive experience in appellate law. Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate for fairness, equal rights, and social justice, and has often spoken about the important role that appellate courts play in interpreting the law.

Ultimately, Sotomayor’s quote underscores the significant, albeit indirect, influence of appellate courts on policy-making in the U.S. legal system. While she acknowledges that judges aren’t supposed to "make law," her words highlight the real-world impact that decisions in the Court of Appeals can have on shaping legal precedents that guide both future legal rulings and the development of national policy.