Making Our Democracy Work: A Conversation with Justice Stephen G. Breyer

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer’s new book, Making Our Democracy Work: A Judge’s View, (Knopf, 2010) aims to elevate the public’s understanding of the U.S. Supreme Court, particularly the societal impact of its most important and historic decisions, its role in the evolution of our democracy and its contribution to what the Justice terms a “workable constitutional system of government.”

On November 10, the Brookings Judicial Issues Forum hosted a discussion with Justice Breyer about the history of the Supreme Court and its efforts to apply constitutional values to current issues. Prior to his appointment to the nation’s highest court in 1994, Justice Breyer taught at Harvard University’s Law School and Kennedy School of Government. He also served as a judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and as its Chief Judge for four years.

Brookings President Strobe Talbott provided introductory remarks. Senior Fellow Benjamin Wittes led a discussion with Justice Breyer.