WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Justice has accelerated its probe into alleged leaks surrounding the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, issuing a wave of subpoenas to attorneys and court staff, officials said on Thursday.

The investigation, launched in late February, has already issued 12 subpoenas targeting legal aides, clerks, and former counsel involved in the landmark ruling. The DOJ claims the subpoenas seek documents that could reveal the internal deliberations and communications that preceded the court’s 70‑to‑29 vote, which dismantled federal abortion protections.

Global markets reacted sharply to the announcement. Shares of legal technology firms and consulting groups saw a 4‑5% dip in early trading, as investors worried that a prolonged inquiry could destabilize the U.S. legal sector. International investors are also monitoring the case for potential impacts on regulatory frameworks for data privacy and corporate compliance.

Historically, the Supreme Court has resisted external investigations into its internal processes. The 2022 decision, the first to overturn a precedent, was the result of a 2021 petition filed by Texas and supported by a coalition of state attorneys general. The DOJ’s inquiry marks the first time federal authorities have formally requested court documents on this matter.

“Our goal is to ensure that any material that could inform the public about the integrity of the judicial process is preserved,” said Maria Delgado, a senior DOJ attorney overseeing the case. “We are proceeding with the same rigor we apply to any matter involving potential violations of federal law.”

Key Takeaways

• DOJ has issued 12 subpoenas targeting key court personnel.
• Investor sentiment has turned cautious, with legal‑tech stocks falling 4–5%.
• The probe underscores growing scrutiny of Supreme Court procedures.

The inquiry is expected to continue through the summer, with the DOJ promising to release further findings once the evidence is fully examined. The outcome could set a precedent for future investigations into the court’s internal affairs, influencing both domestic policy and global investor confidence.