THE DISSENTS OF JUSTICE MARTHA B. SOSMAN: JUDICIAL RESTRAINT AND INTELLECTUAL HONESTY.

The article explores the dissents of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice Martha B. Sosman which demonstrated her commitment to interpret the law in a common sense and consistent manner. She considered the so-called judicial restraint as code for intellectual honesty, which could override one's ideological leanings on various issues. It is noted that her dissent in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health reflected her views about her role as a judge, which involves making common sense decisions that best preserved the consistency of the law.