“Ginsburg’s injudicious comments’’ by Scot Lehigh (Opinion, July 13) illustrated the seriousness of this presidential election. Supreme Court justices occupy a rarefied sphere, but they are still humans, with principles, values, and ethics. Presidential power to fill vacancies is a political decision. Indeed, Republicans have held up the nomination of Merrick Garland in part because they think he is not conservative enough.

We are well aware of the political tendencies of each Supreme Court justice. The opinions they issue on the wide variety of legal questions presented to the court provide further illumination of their political position.

Accordingly, I applaud Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for exercising her free-speech rights and expressing her concerns about the possibility of a Trump presidency. Donald J. Trump has expressed views that scare many people, and Supreme Court justices are no exception. Lady Justice is supposed to be blind but not gagged.

Steven A. Ludsin

East Hampton, N.Y.