The Transition of Power: Replacing Justice Breyer

On Wednesday, it was revealed that Justice Stephen Breyer, the senior member of the Supreme Court’s liberal wing, will retire from the bench. 

Democrats, and many on the left, will have breathed a sigh of relief. His decision has given President Biden the chance to nominate a successor while Democrats control the Senate. 

We take a look at the legacy of Justice Breyer’s time on the court, why he chose to retire now and how President Biden might decide on his successor. 

Guest: Adam Liptak, a Supreme Court reporter for The New York Times.

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Background reading: 

• Justice Breyer has announced that he will retire from the Supreme Court bench upon the confirmation of his successor.
• President Joe Biden and his legal team have spent a year preparing for this moment: the chance to make good on his pledge to name the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. 

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