HLS in the World | A Conversation with Six Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court

Six members of the Supreme Court of the United States-all HLS alumni-join Harvard University President Drew Faust and Harvard Law School Dean John F. Manning on Oct. 26 to open Harvard Law School's bicentennial summit. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. ’79; Associate Justices Anthony M. Kennedy ’61, Stephen G. Breyer ’64, Elena Kagan ’86 and Neil M. Gorsuch ’91; and Associate Justice (retired) David H. Souter ’66 shared memories, advice and more than a few priceless anecdotes. To commemorate Harvard Law School's 200th anniversary, the law school hosted an extraordinary gathering of global leaders on Oct. 26-27 for HLS in the World, a bicentennial summit designed to address important issues in legal education, the legal profession, law, and society.

[@JesusChristIsReal1026]

These folks on stage are the epitome of how real intellectuals conduct themselves and speak. Brilliant minds come only in a few. Thank you HLS for sharing this. Much ❤ to Harvard.

[@TheUrbanZone]

The clarity in which they articulate their positions and tell stories is amazing.

[@euphegenia]

David Topchiev Care to elaborate? What a stupid thing to say. These are some of the most brilliant minds in the United States.

[@anthonydipiano559]

Chief Justice spent early years in Orchard Park /Buffalo area. We are pleased with his wisdom, and his experience. This is the same from other Justices with their own spin on topics, their experiences at. HLS and on US Supreme Court. Plus we see their human side, not stuffy but Professional. Anthony DiPiano from..Orchard Park/Buffalo.

[@KurasakiBleachigo1]

I would imagine they are, in their job every one of their words is forever inscribed into the law of our country.

[@wildfire9280]

@@euphegenia Still think this in 2024?

[@euphegenia]

@@wildfire9280 Yes. Certainly all better judges than Ketanji Brown Jackson. I’d probably clarify that they’re brilliant legal minds, not necessarily the most brilliant minds overall. I don’t know what I was replying to as the original comment is gone. So that context would help.

[@anthonypoole6901]

This is why all citizens should learn much much more about law.

[@jeremysmith9694]

Why

[@doug9194]

Jeremy Smith He might mean because you won’t follow what some of the Justices are talking about unless you already have a somewhat basic understand of law, which many Americans don’t.

[@thestation4768]

@@jeremysmith9694 To know these aren't lawyers

[@Bruss813]

Well this discussion is really for Judges, lawyers, law students and prospective law students.

[@historyprofessor1985]

@@Bruss813 , and those who have spent their entire lives studying legal history (such as my myself).

[@333crt]

This is the most intelligent body of the U.S. government. If only Congress could be such.

[@henk-3098]

Justices are selected for their experience and intellectual capabilities, politicians for who can shout the loudest and panders most to the electorate

[@JXY2019]

It’s the only part of the government where the left and right wing members both seem to have immense respect for each other

[@hoochiemoochie89]

I don’t know about that. I would say it’s the most arrogant body of the government.

[@JohnWick-ds4mn]

Nah it’s being destroyed by GOP

[@barath4545]

Also, as some lawyer said, "The US Supreme Court does not leak. Ever" (No assistent or similar to the SCOTUS would EVER risk ruining their career over a leak)

[@danielpanasenko1963]

David Souter is HILARIOUS! I hope I’m like that when I’m 80.

[@yorboyroyboy9829]

I really enjoyed this, I'm just a average blue collar worker but was falsely accused when younger..That instance left me with a deep respect for the law, law officers , lawyers and Judge and jury..Without law , There's no civil in civilization..Thank You to All committed to the search for truth and justice.

[@ethanmercado1713]

?

[@ethanmercado1713]

Blue shirt guy???

[@ethanmercado1713]

I'm so confused

[@ethanmercado1713]

Who is it please tell me ya good ya real good actors omg 😢

[@Nuria-kl7tk]

@@ethanmercado1713 "blue collar" workers are people who work outside of an office and usually do manual labor

[@ShivangSingh1492]

Justice David Souter is the most skilled story teller in the summit.

[@nobonespurs]

Souter was most honest justice - who didnt need power to enjoy life

[@Chesterbarnes1]

Justice David Souter is probably the most respected. He came on the SCOTUS, then left, and never looked back. Went back home, and spends his days reading and meditating. May his tribe increase. He is a most unsual man and scholar.

[@historyprofessor1985]

He's a throwback to how many justices used to be, indeed a long lost tribe!

[@ElaineMLove]

I was wondering where he went, when your comment came into my view to "SAVE" the day!! For me at least! Lol!!! Thanks and I agree with you in came, saw and left and never looked back!! Thank!!

[@Chesterbarnes1]

@@ElaineMLove Even though he had a life time appointment he left

[@generalkenobi5533]

Justice Kagan is not my favorite justice politically, but she's my favorite to read. Her opinions are really easy to understand and she's got a very relatable writing style.

[@nateo200]

I totally agree! She really really admired Scalia and picked up a lot of the "spice" he put into opinions.

[@Louielinguini]

Gorsuch not my favorite politically, but favorite to read; enjoy his often dropped, “… and more besides.” heh heh☺️

[@DavidYuancy]

There's a great easter egg at 1:41:09 in the captions, when they're talking about Justices Breyer and Souter often being confused for each other, the captions attribute "And we don't know why!" to Justice Breyer when Souter is the one saying it.

[@willyj3321]

The conversation starts at around 37:20. The people at the beginning just like to hear themselves talk.

[@trojanpony]

You da real MVP dawg

[@lbyvik]

THANK YOU. All that narcissistic drivel....ugh

[@this-is-bioman]

Excellent... But still boring LOL I gave up after additional ten minutes

[@gailspahn1674]

Why do you force us to spend time watching ANY commercials we don’t want too. E

[@georgecorrea8530]

This was awesome. I really enjoyed watching the Supreme Court justices relaxed and laughing.

[@patohare5620]

Ŷ

[@andrewchan1922]

I did not come from a law background and have no deep knowledge on America's constitution, but i still enjoy listening to these people talk and their wisdom. I guess that's what makes the supreme court so special.

[@tbpp6553]

Thank you HLS for uploading this. It was very insightful.

[@johndanielson3777]

Am I the only one who thought it was sweet that Anthony Kennedy reminisced about Thurgood Marshall?

[@Gthefray]

no, same here. That was very heartfelt and beautiful!! I really appreciated that moment as well.

[@LemonadepieX]

When Kennedy said that he and Thurgood Marshall were very close, I got a little emotional.

[@Gthefray]

@@LemonadepieX yup! me too.

[@geoff101001]

they all really get along even though they have many political differences of wish the congress could do this

[@yourlightingsource5146]

Oh they do,its a farce they play on TV, they are all under the same corporate rulers.

[@bet8467]

Your Lighting Source What makes you think so?

[@yourlightingsource5146]

Aharon Lawrence Just look at their backgrounds, you'll notice many of them worked for some the biggest corporations/banks in the world, and thus when they are done being a judge run back there just as Souter did with JP Morgan

[@dms1131ds]

@@yourlightingsource5146 What? Souter continued judging after being on SC, he doesn't work for JP Morgan. Conspiracy nut.

[@voicification]

You can thank Newt a Gingrich for it. He was the one who told his party that they cannot be chummy with the other side. They had to hate them with a passion and not be willing to compromise.

[@kylehynes7480]

"Justice Kagan?" Kennedy: Close enough

[@stefan_e1328]

Yeah how embarrassing!

[@omorabedin3648]

I can't believe Mike Ross had the audacity to disrespect the good name of Harvard.

[@Joshg982]

Lol, love the suits reference!

[@trishulmody]

The idiot didnt even know about the "Order of the Coif".

[@JohnLincolnUSA]

Simply awesome - can sigh a heave of relief to see that the SC really has some great humans in their midst

[@robinhood20253]

Sadly the SCOTUS is down to 3 good human beings and 6 enemies of the people.

[@kazitejwar5452]

The many times Justice Kennedy decided to speak when they called ‘Justice Kagan’😂

[@henk-3098]

He's pretty old so I think his ears don't work like they used to ;)

[@lequochoan9315]

The

[@aa_battery7]

​@@henk-3098yes, felt bad for him

[@B3arAbl3]

It's fascinating to hear about Harvard Law School's rich history and how it has shaped some of the most influential legal minds. The evolution of the school from its humble beginnings to its global impact is truly inspiring. The emphasis on the Socratic method and the importance of storytelling in law is something I'll definitely keep in mind as I continue my legal studies. Kudos to Harvard Law School and these amazing Justices for shedding light on the legal journey and the values that guide it! 📚⚖

[@TheDpb167]

The collective legal intelligence of these six individuals likely exceeds the collective legal intelligence of both chambers of Congress combined. Regardless of what you believe, they really are that good.

[@seniorlocalguide]

@@jm1178 True... except for Souter... Who lied and deceived America and that Low IQ Bush when he asserted that he was conservative, but ended up being a liberal.

[@h1jen1x]

Unfortunately SCOUS has felt the same way about ITSELF for many generations. Legislation from a bench that seats 9 that repeatedly overturns the will of the people AND/OR draws its interpretations of the constitution written in invisible ink was NOT the objective of their appointment. SCOTUS floats in the river of the blood of 50 million American citizens whose rights they ignored.

[@MyBabybabz]

I’m happy I got to listen & we this interaction. They’re trying displaying their human side. I appreciate this Q & A. Thank you all Supreme Court Judges.

[@ethanmercado1713]

Is beautiful that you guys take the justice system more with enthusiasm ☺️

[@jeremysmith9694]

I feel like I'm at a nerd convention with a lot of inside jokes. And i know none. Or maybe like I'm at my wife's hs reunion.

[@kelleylynch2173]

And none of the inside jokes are funny.

[@davidkitenge8591]

Exactly 😂😂

[@nikitakolv2810]

Drinking Ale had too spike it... A lil Cinnamon made Ging'r, now you know the "hocus pocus" was a (blank) before it was a song that came from the gentle the W been searching for. STATUES and humanity we all stand for Form a exquisite "posh!" With out agriculture infirmity. Thank You, Very Much. MWL

[@Brett_S_420]

@@nikitakolv2810 Schlitz Kavanagh is blacked out!

[@jacquelineguidry704]

Allha king Terrence God

[@prabhanshuchaturvedi2067]

Subtle Savagery is a general trait in the judges of any Nation's supreme court. When I read the judgements by the judges of the supreme court of india, I say damn did they apply their legal mind in the most immaculate sense.

[@marclegarreta]

Justice Souter! What a gem!

[@dylancalewarts6306]

Literally every current SC Justice graduated from Yale or Harvard.

[@neilcourtney7897]

Ginsburg graduated from Columbia although she first went to Harvard Law.

[@yevgeniyzharinov7473]

not surprisingly

[@devinngeorge]

@@neilcourtney7897 the law school is only thing that mattered in this

[@johndanielson3777]

Harvard: Roberts, Ginsburg (she graduated from Columbia but she went to Harvard for 2 years), Breyer, Kagan, Gorsuch. Yale: Thomas, Alito, Sotomayor, and Kavanaugh. Yep, you're right.

[@yevgeniyzharinov7473]

surprise, surprise...

[@barath4545]

30:06 "A minority of my colleagues sends their regrets" Solid gold! :)

This is freaking cool. Seeing all the Supreme Court judges.

[@paulcaintic943]

Souter is hilarious!

[@vaseemaslam9950]

Really mesmerising stage of legal luminaries. Great to see and to be inspired, keep going HLS

[@nica8667]

Civic Studies - History and Government - the Supreme Law of the Land - the US Constitution and the Rule of Law: Everyone must follow the law, Leaders must obey the law, Government must obey the law and No one is above the law.

[@rasheawhite9356]

POWERFUL statement.👏 "You are as strong as your weakest ARGUMENT."👀 What a twist in logic. POWERFUL!

[@pedroruiz3694]

This is why it worth every step I take with honor , pride and will never let those who lost or injured,on active duty down it takes powerful people to build our great nation it's up to us to demand respect united we stand we shall never fall we are American to the bone

[@bibo3373]

"Humility, that's not perhaps the first word you think about when you think of the Harvard Law School", true dat, unfortunately.

[@rasheawhite9356]

Pioneering any dream or movement that is bound to change the world doesn't come without difficulty, but difficulties give radiance to BEING the DIFFERENCE.🙌 Painful processes refine our authentic purpose in this vast world.

[@RH_DB]

The most interesting part of this discussion IMO, is the amount competitiveness these individuals have. How else would you get to such a high position?

[@Tpcool]

I was just listening to the audio of this, so when Kagan's name was called and it was Kennedy speaking I thought "wow her voice is a lot different than I imagined it would be." 😂 Love hearing all these guys in a room together.

[@bhawinijha2338]

It's my dream to study law from HARVARD...I hope to fulfill this dream ...❤️❤️may be 2025🤩🤩

[@barbarabrusack3302]

Your gorgeous!!!you will make it

[@bhawinijha2338]

@WorldFlex What?!!

[@robinstapelfeld8599]

I hope your able to fulfill you dreams. With hard work, anything is possible! Good Luck 👍🏼

[@rasheawhite9356]

BEAUTIFUL TIME!🤣💕🎊🎉 Thank you for having us!

[@nanayawopare-anim3603]

Apt, intellectually stimulating and an absolute show of humility but depth of skill and competence😉👌

[@ray-hj1do]

Thank you

[@eleonoraformatoneeszczepan8807]

An enjoyable conversation, not only on first viewing. Entertaining and informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@syzygy808]

Thank you for allowing the public to view! Insightful. 👍🏽🙏🏽

[@jameslockettlockettinterna8869]

I wonder if the Dean calculated how many Harvard grads were among our Founding Fathers? Of course, Harvard Law School had not yet been established, but Harvard University graduates were becoming lawyers under the system of those days. A good number of the signers of the Declaration were lawyers. I am the descendant of one of them, William Hooper from North Carolina. He graduated from Harvard, and against his father's wishes went into law, but to do so, he moved from Boston to North Carolina, established himself as a lawyer, and then was involved in work as a prosecutor, then as a legislator, including being a member of the First and Second Continental Congresses.

[@garlowloke]

You are the descendant of hooper, he is your ancestor. And that’s awesome

[@jameslockettlockettinterna8869]

@@garlowloke Thanks for comment and the good observation.... :)

[@donnacribb7825]

Justice is everything in America do not reject justice for all

[@mamavswild]

Holy cow the justices didn’t start coming up until 26:44!

[@rasheawhite9356]

Honor to Harvard Law & the Justice's of the Supreme Court!☺🎊💕

[@richardlow5949]

Excellent example of how SCJ are real people, just like the rest of us.

[@shaleyvale272]

Can "real people" stop the vote counting and award the presidency to the candidate of their choosing?

[@suigeneris2663]

Lol

[@phrayingscout]

Never did I know that Justice Kennedy was such a humorous and engaging person! But the most articulating and humble justice imho is the Chief Justice Roberts.

[@petestevens3970]

Great discussion, many fine minds and insights into the application and function of the law. Worth my time.

[@OmarMAli-jx3uz]

The US is a country that has never ceased (and would probably never cease) to amaze me since my high school years when I first read "Democracy in America" by Alexis de Tocqueville (that was in 2005). Since then, I always wondered what is that makes this country so unique among the nations, a beacon of freedom and wisdom, and the engine of great innovations. After many years pondering about that (and after 4 wonderful years in graduate school at Cornell University), I think I have a beginning of an answer to my question. America is a land blessed with great men and women who have a deep reverence and love for their inherited institutions (such as their world class universities, their Supreme Court, their Constitution, etc.). Unlike we in the French speaking world who caught the rationalist disease of intellectual hubris, and who think we can reimagine the world according to our fancies at each generations, the Anglo-American tradition (of higher education and gouvernement) is one of piecemeal engineering, a long, humble and ingenious process of trial and error. God bless you, my beloved America!

[@ocxpingu5836]

That was very good. Justice Souter and Justice Kennedy clearly are great story tellers👍

[@Louielinguini]

Yes, and with respect to Justice Souter would love were he to invite me “to go get a cup of chowder.”😂

[@FirstnameLastname-qf2vm]

Idk who is watching this. But I'm just gunna comment while I watch it. (Black, 35, M, east coast,) So far, it's pretty cool to hear the history of Harvard. Makes me very proud as an American. Also, it's been like 10 or 15 minutes, let's move on. Lol

[@rasheawhite9356]

Harvard is such a prestigious university, yet so warm and welcoming which is rare. I am very honored that you all considered me to sit among the elite that lead our nation. Thank you so much!😢🙌💕🎊🎉

[@heyitsme881]

😂😂😂😂

[@Fvcky0uverymuch]

Thank you very much for having us here as well tonight. In excited to see what I can learn and what I might could teach. 🙏🤲👐

[@TheJohnMak]

It’s amazing to hear how lawyers view themselves.

[@markjohnson9455]

If I was younger, I would change my career to become an attorney or paralegal who works in constitutional law. I study it in my free time because it is so vast. I use history, philosophy, law work together to find that law is the action, philosophy is the reason, and history tells the story of how policy becomes alive and is affected by it. I agree with Scalia's philosophy about the Constitution, but I also see how it can be applied as a living document to understand the reason for something and why it is argued from many different sides and not just one position. There is tons of gray in the world.

[@easterlee2143]

May I ask which field in law are currently working in? I am a student right now and I'm still thinking about which course I should study and it'll be great if I can have your advice.

[@regi1948]

Listening and watching ... ...

[@consistentharmony]

This was a great discussion. Thank you all.

[@paulkome4964]

Absolutely Beautiful experience. I LOOOVE intelligence. Bravo SCOTUS

[@Firefoxav26]

"You could jumble up the quotes and the speakers, few listeners would be the wiser, and none meaningfully misled." -John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the United States on quotes on the great value of the free exchange of ideas

[@rasheawhite9356]

Beautiful statement!👏 It's not just what we teach but HOW we teach. 💭... The HOW Approach.

[@rasheawhite9356]

💭... Hmm... So, therefore the law of the land is to always govern the people. We must always remember people are not the law but are guided and protected by the law. That really is "justice for all" defined.

[@sallyfromlondon8593]

Just goes to prove they are just like the rest of us, with ordinary and extraordinary lives. Very informative in a lightweight way. I’m in the UK and have been watching the Kavanaugh debacle......

[@FirstnameLastname-qf2vm]

This is cool. I was hoping for more of a legal conversation. For those curious, they are not really talking about law. This is more about the justices at the time. Peace and love.

[@nateo200]

I was waiting for someone to say Robert H Jackson! Glad Justice Souter AND Gorsuch brought him up. He is always an interesting Justice to me.

[@suigeneris2663]

He never held a JD. A brilliant man.

[@nateo200]

@@suigeneris2663 I'm somewhat of a superfan of him. A rare gem indeed.

[@suigeneris2663]

@@nateo200 My favorite Justice, no doubt.

[@TheJohnCube]

Breyer is such an eloquent speaker. I wish Clarence Thomas was there, love him.

[@tangoz811]

That's bc he used to be a teacher of law

[@patrickmorrissey3084]

@@MuhammadAhmed-qh7ut I'm sure the feeling is mutual with how Clarence Thomas feels about Thurgood Marshall.

[@Bruss813]

Justice Thomas went to Yale. This is a Harvard Law event.

[@JohnWick-ds4mn]

He’s an idiot closed minded partisan hack.

[@jeffdematteis5049]

the official slogan for yale and harvard law school should be: SCOTUS factory

[@cullen2106]

Do you teach federal or state as well as county walk?

[@grackle8723]

Isn't it crazy that I don't have to apply to Harvard to benefit from it's good name ^_^

[@rasheawhite9356]

The Constitution of the United States is our WALL that protects and GUIDES our reason of thought and belief for all. May we NOT dismantle our WALL that our forefathers of this great country built. For they SAW the future afar off.👀🙌.

[@ImTevinful]

Just so everyone knows I'm a Harvard Law School grad (vicariously).

[@b.c.7799]

Clapping into the mic?

[@nanashabo2511]

The Chief Justice is really well composed. It looks to me that the Chief Justice position is a challenging one. You can see all the other Justices are just free of themselves :) but the Chief Justice is really cool. hehehehehe, Being a leader is not an easy task, you cannot play and have funny stuffs like the followers :)

[@Mor_timer]

I’d wanna have Souter as my grandpa 😂😂😂his storytelling is amazing

[@jackdowd6238]

Like Roberts but it's not an episode of Friends where everybody knows your name....it's the theme song from Cheers

[@yuweizhou7071]

I would like to know whether I would be violating the Copy Right Law (or any other) if I would download this video and upload it to a foreign Online Video Platform for the purpose of sharing the content without being benefited (in any form) from it.

[@ahmedbaradwan6619]

Thanks Harvard law school for what u have done Am sure you will do a lot in the other 200 years

[@heyitsme881]

They are a virus lol

[@markarmage3776]

Gosurch somehow just can't replace Scalia. He doesn't have that aura, that he's the smartest guy in the room and he knows it.

[@rustpico2478]

I want to be a good justice in court in my life

[@snowpants2212]

Twice Prof. Manning asks, "Justice Kagan?" and Justice Kennedy answers

[@unrealuknow864]

Untold death and bloodshed came from the graduates of this school. Massive corruption and financial malfeasance occurred because of the actions of graduates of this school. Remember that.

[@chrisbrumbaugh9936]

Let's congratulate each other.

[@suigeneris2663]

Because Harvard.

[@julystylez5087]

The intelligence here is over the roof

[@nath-wp7xp]

Except from Gorsuch.

[@Gaming_Network]

rob1811 idk he did graduate top of his class at Harvard

[@mehdibaghbadran3182]

The philosophy of law’s , and morality, which introduces human rights, and thanks from you gentlemen , and special thanks to Michel sandel’s

[@alienated1748]

The guy that introduced the SCJs is a straight geek

[@terencewinters2154]

Jurisprudence is history . It is the study of the history of legal decisionmaking.

[@alexalandres399]

They're so funny and cute.

[@tangoz811]

Cute.. Not a word they heard in a long time

[@anasfrh]

Pierre Bourdieu wrote a nice book on the role of schools (Polytechnique, SciencesPo, HEC, ENA, ENS etc.) in manufacturing/monopolizing state/government elites in France titled The State Nobility, his analysis for the causes and consequences of this apply to the United States. The elite U.S schools continue to have disproportionate influence and representation in government, academia and industry for better or for worse.

[@emmanueloluga9770]

There's multiple sides to that story.

[@thestation4768]

51:04

[@sx99cornell]

imagine if it happened again at 52:43

[@PHILLYMEDIC69]

they all have an incredible sense of humour

[@captkiprogue]

It’s incredible how Roberts just cracks a joke about the number of SCOTUS justices who are Harvard alumni. His remark about the missing justices is probably about those from Yale, not Gorsuch. Ha ha it’s funny that the supreme civil court of an entire country is packed with graduates from a single region. Tbf, he’s probably not used to video broadcast, so to him the only audience is the privileged crowd in front of him. But Alito and then Trump’s picks have really hidden what a shitheel Roberts is.

[@thisgame2]

There a criminal organization

[@RonValdes]

Justice it’s always been there right before you

[@surfbyrd1]

Not one mention about our Creator.

[@robinhood20253]

I evolved from simpler life forms over billions of years through natural processes. All homo sapiens did, so what is a creator and why do you think there is one?

[@allthingstravon21]

“Justice Kagan?” HERE COMES JUSTICE KENNEDY ANSWERING 😂😂😂😂

[@jackdowd6238]

Skip ahead 30 minutes ....avoid pompous,self-seeking blowhard intros....moderator introductions sounded like high school hoop game...where is Larry King when u need him.

[@ayasofialino8344]

I love how Harvard Dean Manning went in for a hand shake but Justice Karan gave him a hug instead

[@yinka661]

In light of the recent abortion law in Texas and the nightmare of covid vaccination it is safe to say the law and its proponents is completely ‘broken’.

[@heyitsme881]

I’d say it’s actually on the up and up!

[@robinhood20253]

Absolutely broken. Take into account the dark money and rewriting of the Constitution to favor Christianity is directly violating the founding document. In 2023 we have the least ethical SCOTUS in our history .. They are not ruling per the Constitution but based on ideology and religious preference. The court dark money built.

[@jdjones8689]

God Bless America.