Constitution Day: It's a Free Country
In honor of Constitution Day, yesterday we watched a live-streamed interview with Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. The "virtual field trip" aired from the National Constitution Center in Pennsylvania, and featured students from the area posing various questions about his life and work. The questions ranged from a pointed inquiry about the death penalty to quips about Judge Judy. But the question that stuck with me was one about arguments that might take place between the members of the Supreme Court. Justice Breyer explained that although he and his colleagues may disagree at times, he has never once heard anyone raise a voice or act disrespectfully. He went on to give advice to those present and watching on how to handle an argument. "Stay calm," he urged. Breyer then went on to say of those who get out of control during a disagreement: "Oh, he's getting emotional. He must be wrong ." The kids laughed and the adults exchanged knowing glance...