Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution

This book covers the history of the Supreme Court, processes for decisions, the culture of the Court and more. Yet, it is not dry! Justice Barrett writes in an engaging manner, providing relatable analogies and sprinkling stories throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
One of my favorite messages in the book is that we can disagree and debate ideas while still respecting the person. “The success of a multi-member court rides on the ability to disagree respectfully. The success of a democratic society does too.”

Superbly written and Justice Barrett does an excellent job weaving her personal experience on the Court with the historical narrative of the Court. Barrett and this book could single-handedly re-shape the American public’s perception and understanding of the United States Supreme Court. Regardless of political affiliation, anyone who reads this book with intellectual integrity will come away refreshed on the wonderful balance of powers the U.S. government holds, and the judiciary’s essential nonpartisan role. Additionally, Justice Barrett’s writing and explanations are clear and accessible to non-lawyers. Bravo Justice Barrett!

I generally grade books on a curve and reserve five stars only for those that are truly exceptional. In my view, Listening to the Law is one such book. I am somewhat bewildered by some of the reviews posted here, as they seem to come from people who neither read the book nor purchased it, which diminishes their value.
Early in the book, Barrett shares her favorite aunt’s disappointment with many of her court decisions, noting that they often focus more on “legalities.” Her aunt asked whether the court should be more about doing justice. This question fundamentally captures much of what the book explores—it explains the true role of the Supreme Court in our government and why and how cases are decided.
The first part of the book delves into the workings of the Court: how cases are selected, the role of clerks, how justices are assigned to write opinions and dissents, and the painstaking process of drafting and reviewing opinions until their release.
Subsequent sections focus on judicial philosophy, particularly the interpretation of law and the importance of the text. Barrett outlines differing views among the justices on interpretation and explains why she believes judges must adhere to the law’s text.
In conclusion, Listening to the Law is very well written and organized. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the judicial branch of the United States government, regardless of political or judicial ideology.

Excellent book by Justice Barret. Good overview of her views on the constitution as well as the interesting personal anecdotes.

This is a highly interesting book by Justice Barrett about her life journey to the court while raising a family and living first in New Orleans, then South Bend, then Washington, DC. She describes her appointment to the bench, to a circuit court of appeals and to the Supreme Court. She tells how she decides cases and writes opinions. I was disappointed to learn that she usually does not consult amicus briefs filed in the cases that she decides. While amicus briefs are sometimes submitted by interested parties, at other times they are submitted by law professors or scholars having a deep understanding of issues and their history. While she describes a jam packed schedule, amicus briefs are part of the court record that should be considered.