Confidence Quote by Stephen Breyer
““The Court has a special responsibility to ensure that the Constitution works in practice. While education, including the transmission of our civic values from one generation to the next, must play the major role in maintaining public confidence in the Court's decisions, the Court too must help maintain public acceptance of its own legitimacy. It can do this best by helping ensure that the Constitution remains "workable" in a broad sense of the term. Specifically, it can and should interpret the Constitution in a way that works for the people of today.””
About This Quote
The Court must interpret the Constitution so it remains practical and relevant, using education to sustain public trust and legitimacy.
In simple terms: Court must keep Constitution practical today.
Key Takeaway
Interpretation should serve present society.
Themes
judicial responsibility
civic education
constitutional relevance
public legitimacy
legal interpretation
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
serious
Type
policy statement
judicial philosophy
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- law school curricula
- civic education programs
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
judicial role
civic transmission
public confidence
constitutional adaptability
Practical Applications
- judicial training
- civic education initiatives
Questions to Reflect On
- How can courts balance tradition with modern needs?
- What role should education play in legal legitimacy?
