In recent remarks delivered at a lecture series named for a legendary U.S. Supreme Court justice, U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff of the Southern District of New York was straightforward in his criticisms of the country's high court.

"I suggest, the U.S. Supreme Court has usually tended to look backward and to use the Constitution as a tool to narrow or override progressive legislation and to deny protection to unpopular groups and individuals," Rakoff said on Oct. 23 at the New York City Bar Association, according to prepared remarks.