The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics

By: Stephen Breyer

Narrated by: Jim Seybert

Length: 1 hr and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

A growing chorus of officials and commentators argues that the Supreme Court has become too political. On this view, the confirmation process is just an exercise in partisan agenda-setting, and the jurists are no more than “politicians in robes” - their ostensibly neutral judicial philosophies mere camouflage for conservative or liberal convictions.

Stephen Breyer, drawing upon his experience as a Supreme Court justice, sounds a cautionary note. Mindful of the Court’s history, he suggests that the judiciary’s hard-won authority could be marred by reforms premised on the assumption of ideological bias. Having, as Hamilton observed, “no influence over either the sword or the purse”, the Court earned its authority by making decisions that have, over time, increased the public’s trust. If public trust is now in decline, one part of the solution is to promote better understandings of how the judiciary actually works: how judges adhere to their oaths and how they try to avoid considerations of politics and popularity.

Breyer warns that political intervention could itself further erode public trust. Without the public’s trust, the Court would no longer be able to act as a check on the other branches of government or as a guarantor of the rule of law, risking serious harm to our constitutional system.

©2021 Harvard University Press (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Worth reading

Justice Breyer presents a comprehensible explanation of the court’s role in our democracy with examples. He concludes with practical advice on how to ensure that we protect the public acceptance of this important institution

Perspective of our courts by supreme court justice

It's good to get the perspective of our US court system by a supreme Court Justice. I could only hope that all members of Congress could have the same perspective. Perhaps this should be required reading with a pass/fail exam.

A Must “read or listen”

This is a must listen especially in 2022 !!! The history and importance of the Supreme Court and the recent decisions interact so strongly with Justice Breyer’s review of the court. I anxiously wait to see if he writes another dialogue soon. I cannot strongly enough recommend this book. I gave 3 copies of the hardcover to 3 members of my family… 2 of which are prominent attorneys.

Excellent overview of Suo. Ct. Purpose, position and how it actually works

My title says it all. How judges delve through laws and precedents to balance the essence of the Constitution and what it stands for with the issues of today which is beyond and above politics.

Thought provoking and educational

Worthwhile listen to what a former recent Supreme Court Justice has to say about the purpose of the Court and its necessary role in our democracy