February 4, 2008

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who joined the William S. Richardson School of Law in February as a Jurist-in-Residence, addressed the HSBA membership and the Judiciary February 4 on the topic of “Judicial Independence."

 

He spoke candidly and comfortably with 100 members of the Bar and Judiciary about the meaning and importance of judicial independence in our society, pointing out how far our democratic institutions have come--transformed over time from a society which once needed to enforce judicial decisions with military strength to one which accepts and adheres to the rule of law and role of the judiciary.

 

Further, Justice Breyer and Judge Myron Bright, retired judge of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals spoke openly of their concerns and optimism related to the role of the judiciary and the Supreme Court as an institution.

 

Dean Avi Soifer and Judge Myron Bright with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer after his February 4 address to the Bar.