Drawing from her recent book, Listening to the Law, Justice Amy Coney Barrett described her goal of making the work of the Court more accessible to a broad audience. She noted that questions about how the Court operates—how it selects cases, how decisions are made, and how the justices work together—are remarkably consistent across audiences, from students to international visitors. Writing the book, she explained, was an effort to “invite people in” to better understand the Court and its role.
Throughout the conversation, Justice Barrett emphasized a central principle of judging: that a judge’s role is to apply the law, not to reach a preferred outcome. In her view, the authority of the judiciary is defined—and limited—by the Constitution and by statutes enacted through the democratic process. Departing from those constraints, she noted, would risk substituting individual judgment for the rule of law.
She also reflected on the qualities required of judges, highlighting the importance of independence and character. Because courts are often called upon to resolve issues of significant public interest, judges must be prepared to withstand external pressures and criticism, and to decide cases based on their best understanding of the law rather than public reaction.
A recurring theme of the conversation was the importance of civil discourse in a diverse and divided society. Justice Barrett underscored the need for Americans to engage with differing perspectives in good faith, noting that the ability to disagree respectfully is fundamental both to the functioning of a multi-member court and to the health of a democratic system.
The conversation concluded on a forward-looking note. Reflecting on the nation’s history, Justice Barrett expressed optimism about the durability of the Constitution and the American legal system, emphasizing the capacity of successive generations to build on the work of those who came before.
Video courtesy of St. John’s College and the UNM School of Law