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."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
"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."
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.
-
The female-led all-women tours in Afghanistan
Under The Radar Women are 'swapping cocktails in Ibiza' for visiting a 'terror hotspot'
-
An ancient Israeli cave teaches new archaeological lessons
The Explainer The cave is believed to be one of the world's oldest burial sites
-
Music reviews: Tyler Childers and Madonna
Feature "Snipe Hunter" and "Veronica Electronica"
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
Thailand, Cambodia agree to ceasefire in border fight
Speed Read At least 38 people were killed and more than 300,000 displaced in the recent violence
-
Israel 'pauses' Gaza military activity as aid outcry grows
Speed Read The World Health Organization said malnutrition has reached 'alarming levels' in Gaza
-
US and EU reach trade deal
Speed Read Trump's meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen resulted in a tariff agreement that will avert a transatlantic trade war
-
At least 12 dead in Thai-Cambodian clashes
Speed Read Both countries accused the other of firing first
-
US and Japan strike trade deal
Speed Read Trump signed what he's calling the 'largest deal ever made'
-
28 nations condemn Israel's 'inhumane killing' in Gaza
Speed Read Countries including Australia, France, Japan and the U.K. have released a joint statement condemning Israel's ongoing attacks
-
Israeli gunfire kills dozens at Gaza aid site
Speed Read The U.N. estimates that at least 875 Palestinians have died while trying to access food in recent months