On Wednesday, September 10, the Richard Nixon Foundation hosted Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett for a special program coinciding with the release of her new book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution. The Associate Justice spoke with Hugh Hewitt, radio host, Nixon Foundation board member, and fellow lawyer, in a wide-ranging conversation that touched on everything from her Catholic roots in New Orleans to her experiences as a law clerk and professor, the importance of civil discourse and her approach to interpreting the Constitution.
Among the sold-out audience in the East Room of the Nixon Library were several groups of students. These included eighth graders studying U.S. Government and members of a high school honors civics class that meets weekly at the Nixon Library as part of the Nixon Foundation’s American Civics Academy.
Combining the insight of a law professor with an approachable style, Justice Barrett discussed concepts such as federalism and originalism while also sharing personal stories about her great-grandmother and a recent family vacation.
Justice Barrett’s remarks underscored the importance of engaging with opposing viewpoints, relying on neutral and transparent sources, and grounding decisions in the law while maintaining civility and recognizing the humanity behind every case. Justice Barrett explained that her hope for deepening understanding and building public confidence in the Supreme Court inspired her to write Listening to the Law.
Watch here:
