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Stephen Breyer

Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, author of "The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics."

Top 10 podcasts with Stephen Breyer

Ranked by the Snipd community
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20 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 53min

Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice Stephen Breyer

Stephen Breyer, a former Supreme Court Justice, shares insights from his nearly 30-year tenure on the bench and his book on constitutional pragmatism. He contrasts textualism with a pragmatic approach, arguing for decisions shaped by context rather than strict interpretation. The conversation covers the complexities of legal text interpretation, the challenges surrounding gun regulations, and the importance of judicial integrity. Breyer reflects on the emotional weight of landmark decisions and the necessity of understanding differing viewpoints in legal debates.
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10 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 16min

Judiciary Under Pressure (with Justice Stephen Breyer)

Stephen Breyer, former Supreme Court Justice and advocate for pragmatic constitutional interpretation, shares his insights on judicial integrity and political pressures. He discusses the challenges judges face, including impeachment threats. Breyer humorously explores the balance between empathy and neutrality in judicial decision-making and critiques strict textualism. The conversation also touches on legal ethics in Trump-era law practices and the obstacles faced by interim U.S. Attorneys, providing a profound look at the complexities within the judiciary.
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8 snips
Sep 30, 2021 • 23min

Stephen Breyer

Stephen Breyer, former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, shares insights from his illustrious legal career and his journey from Harvard Law to the Supreme Court. He discusses the importance of civil discourse among justices, reflecting on his camaraderie with Justice Scalia. Breyer emphasizes the necessity of young Americans engaging in politics and highlights upcoming Supreme Court cases. He also touches on maintaining judicial integrity and the complexities of retirement, all while stressing the role of the Court in upholding impartiality.
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Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 26min

Justice Stephen Breyer: Law Is Not a Science

Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer discusses the Court's public approval, unenumerated rights, and humor in the Court. Topics include recusal ethics, interpreting the Constitution, and embracing public participation for a brighter future.
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May 15, 2025 • 1h 11min

The Legacy of Justice Souter

Kevin Newsom, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals and former clerk for Justice Souter, and Jeannie Suk Gersen, a Harvard Law professor and Souter's former clerk, share insightful memories about the late Justice David Souter. They discuss his unique writing style, intellectual curiosity, and the impact of his decisions on pivotal cases like Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Retired Justice Stephen Breyer adds to the conversation with personal anecdotes, highlighting Souter's humble nature and significant contribution to American constitutional law.
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Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 36min

Justice on the Spot - Special Guest Justice Stephen Breyer

Former Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court, Stephen Breyer, shares his rich legacy and insights on the judicial system. He discusses the pressures of landmark cases like Bush v. Gore and the challenges of maintaining public trust in the judiciary. Breyer delves into interpretative philosophies, contrasting textualism with pragmatism, and highlights the importance of understanding legal context. With references to Montaigne and the intricacies of constitutional interpretation, he paints a vivid picture of his judicial philosophy and personal journey.
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Apr 24, 2024 • 48min

Justice Breyer's ear notch test for our constitution

Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer challenges the dominance of textualism in judicial decisions, advocating for pragmatism. He discusses the importance of considering consequences, evolving societal values, and the need for a flexible constitution. The conversation explores the limitations of textualism, the role of judges in interpreting the Constitution, and the ongoing experiment of upholding democratic values in a changing society.
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Apr 1, 2024 • 41min

The growing U.S.-Israel rift; the terror attack in Moscow; former Supreme Court justice Stephen Breyer on the current court; use of sanctions as a tool of American foreign policy

Former State Dept. official discusses rift between US and Israel; The Atlantic journalist analyzes terror attack in Moscow; Former Supreme Court justice talks about his new book on constitutional interpretation; Bloomberg News reporter examines the use of sanctions in American foreign policy
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Jan 29, 2022 • 1h 32min

Lawfare Archive: Justice Stephen Breyer on ‘The Court and the World’

From January 30, 2016: Last week at The Brookings Institution, United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer participated in a discussion with Lawfare’s Benjamin Wittes and Newsweek’s Dahlia Lithwick about his new book, "The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities." During their conversation, Justice Breyer provides an overview of how in a globalizing world, the steady operation of American laws depends more on the cooperation of other jurisdictions than at any other time. He also examines how the Court's decisions regarding presidential power in national security have evolved throughout American history, and weighs how the Court can balance national security objectives in an increasingly connected world.Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution, introduced Justice Breyer and the panel.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sep 9, 2021 • 22min

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Told Us He Isn't Retiring. Yet.

Stephen Breyer, the retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, shares insights from his distinguished career and discusses his upcoming book. He reflects on the challenges of the Court's public perception as politicized and emphasizes the importance of maintaining its integrity. Breyer urges younger generations to engage with pressing national issues and addresses the Supreme Court's evolving role in democracy. His candid views on retirement and the polarization of judicial philosophies make for a compelling listen.

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