SCOTUS justices honor retiring Stephen Breyer in heartfelt statements: 'An absolute joy'
Among other positives, leaving one's longtime post is a surefire way to hear from those you love and respect most what they most love and respect about you — and of course, Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement from the Supreme Court is no exception.
In brief statements of their own, the court's eight other justices on Thursday commemorated and congratulated their departing colleague, with nothing but nice things to say.
"Justice Stephen G. Breyer is an energetic jurist and dear friend," wrote Chief Justice John Roberts. "He is also a reliable antidote to dead airtime at our lunches, moving seamlessly from modern architecture to French cinema, to old radio shows to a surprisingly comprehensive collection of riddles and knock-knock jokes."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Justice Clarence Thomas, who sat next to Breyer for most of their time together, said it's been "an absolute joy" to spend time with Breyer and his wife Joanna, and he will "continue to hold fast to the countless memories we have already accumulated over these many years."
Justice Samuel Alito also brought up Breyer's "amusing observations at lunch," calling him a "brilliant, erudite, good-natured, and funny" colleague; Sonia Sotomayor said he is "funny, optimistic and giving."
"We all will miss his commitment to seeking consensus and ensuring collegiality in all we do," she added.
Justice Elena Kagan mused that she will miss Breyer "every day," and she can "hardly imagine the court without him."
"His good humor is legendary. I will very much miss his wisdom — and his wit — at our conference table," said Justice Neil Gorsuch.
"He has made the court and America better," wrote Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Added Justice Amy Coney Barrett: "Both in print and in person, Steve aims to persuade through exuberance rather than bite."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
'This needs to be a bigger deal'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published