Last September, our firm sponsored an exclusive event hosted by the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia ("The Rule of Law as Precondition to 21st Century Progress"), which featured US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Firm Chair Jami McKeon took the podium on September 17 in historic Congress Hall to introduce Justice Breyer, setting the stage for an evening of discussion about the meaning of the "rule of law" in an increasingly interconnected world. Jami told the gathering that with his emphasis on applying a global perspective to the interpretation and application of laws locally, Justice Breyer continues a tradition dating back to the Founding Fathers, who considered the world beyond their borders in crafting the nation's foundational documents.

During the program, Justice Breyer discussed ideas in his new book, The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities. In a subsequent panel that included Justice Breyer, Singapore office Managing Partner Suet-Fern Lee (a member of the World Justice Project's board of directors), and Dr. Amel Mili (former magistrate in the Administrative Tribunal of Tunisia), the meaning and application of the rule of law as it relates to various regions of the world was discussed. A reception at Union Trust followed.

The event, part of the World Affairs Council's Stan and Arlene Ginsburg Family Foundation "Great Debates" series, took place on Constitution Day, which commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. View the entire program on YouTube.

Firm Chair Jami McKeon introduces Justice Breyer at the World Affairs Council event.

From left, Craig Snyder, president of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, with members
of the panel, Singapore office Managing Partner Suet-Fern Lee, Justice Stephen Breyer,
and Dr. Amel Mili.