US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and the ‘Rule of Law’

In an increasingly globalized society, it is important and helpful for the United States judiciary to engage in matters beyond the country’s borders, US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer said in a recent speech in Philadelphia.

Speaking to members of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia in the city’s historic Congress Hall during an event titled “The Rule of Law as Precondition to 21st Century Progress,” Justice Breyer said the idea applies whether the topic is national security, human rights, or antitrust law. View the program on YouTube.

Morgan Lewis, a global law firm serving clients with interests across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, proudly sponsored the unique event. Firm Chair Jami McKeon introduced Justice Breyer, setting the stage for an evening of discussion about the meaning of the "rule of law" in an increasingly interconnected world. Ms. McKeon noted 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.

Firm Chair Jami McKeon introduces Justice Breyer at the World Affairs Council event.
(Photo Credit: Ryan Brandenberg/Courtesy of the World Affairs Council)

During the program, Justice Breyer discussed his new book, The Court and the World: American Law and the New Global Realities. In a subsequent panel, the justice, Morgan Lewis’s 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, discussed the meaning and application of the rule of law as it relates to various regions of the world.

The event, part of the World Affairs Council's Stan and Arlene Ginsburg Family Foundation “Great Debates” series, took place on Sept. 17, known as Constitution Day, which commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787.