Supreme Court Wraps 2021-22 Term, Honors Long-Serving Retirees
Chief Justice John Roberts dropped his gavel for the final time this session on Thursday, officially concluding the Supreme Court’s 2021-22 term with the release of a final order list and recognition of several long-serving employees who are retiring after decades of service.
“I am authorized to announce that the Court has acted upon all cases submitted to the Court for decision this Term,” Roberts stated in his closing remarks. “Disposition of items considered at conference yesterday will be reflected on an Order List that will be released at 10:45 a.m. today.”
Court Productivity Holds Steady
The high court issued 52 decisions during the term, a figure that precisely matches the average output over the past decade. That consistency comes despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic and a deeply divided bench tackling several landmark cases that dominated headlines.
While the justices maintained their recent pace, it’s worth noting this output remains substantially lower than historical norms. Statistics show the Court averaged 75 decisions annually during the 2001-2011 period — reflecting a long-term decline in the number of cases the justices choose to decide each term.
Following Thursday’s final order, the Court entered its traditional summer recess until the first Monday in October, when the 2022-23 term will officially begin “as provided by law,” according to the Chief Justice’s announcement.
Honoring Court Veterans
Roberts used the occasion to highlight the contributions of numerous long-serving employees retiring this year, several of whom dedicated more than three decades to the Court’s operations.
“On behalf of all the Justices, I would like to thank the Supreme Court employees for their outstanding work and dedication to their important responsibilities this Term,” Roberts noted. “I thank the members of the Court’s bar as well for their professionalism and cooperation.”
The Clerk’s Office bids farewell to Michael Duggan, who served over 30 years, and Gary Kemp, who contributed nearly three decades. From the Marshal’s Office, several long-timers are departing, including Dannie Veney with an impressive 38-year tenure and Chief Deputy Marshal Richard Nelson, who caps a remarkable federal service career spanning more than 48 years.
Chambers staff seeing retirement include Michele “Shelly” Blincoe, whose service extends beyond 39 years, and Janice Harley, who dedicated more than 36 years to the Court. The Supreme Court Police will lose several veteran officers, including Jeff Banaszak with over 31 years and Bernard Bishop with more than 27 years of service.
What drives such extraordinary institutional loyalty? The Court’s unique mission and collegial atmosphere likely contribute to retention rates that would make most federal agencies envious.
Technology and Library Leadership Changes
Two key department heads are also stepping down. Robert J. Hawkins retires as Director of Information Technology after more than 27 years, earning special praise from Roberts for his leadership during the pandemic.
“Mr. Hawkins ably led a department that provides key support to nearly every aspect of Court operations,” the Chief Justice remarked. “He and his team were creative, agile, and essential in allowing us to discharge the public’s work through the coronavirus pandemic.”
Linda S. Maslow, the Court’s 11th Librarian since 2012, concludes nearly 34 years of service. Under her guidance, the library embraced digital tools while preserving its unique collection. Roberts praised her for “extending a tradition of outstanding responsiveness to the Justices, employees, and bar members.”
The Court also paused to remember three long-serving employees who passed away: Virginia Singletary, who served over 41 years; Raymond Billeaud, a Police Officer for more than 21 years; and Moses Humes, who passed shortly after retirement following over 22 years at the Court and 47 years of federal service.
As the justices retreat for their summer break following a term marked by several controversial decisions, the institution’s operations continue under new leadership in key departments — but with the same dedication to constitutional principles that has guided the Court through 233 years of American jurisprudence.
