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Leaders in the Judicial Branch
Case Studies
The federal Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting and applying the Constitution and other federal laws. The U.S. Constitution established the government of the United States and a code of supreme law, and it also serves as a founding document for establishing and interpreting the rights of individual citizens. Prominent leaders in the judicial branch or legal field often make their mark in relation to the Constitution. These people have advocated for amendments, argued convincingly for the ideals the Constitution embodies, or simply worked to improve the delivery of justice in our society.
Use Discussion Questions to examine the leadership roles and qualities of members of the judicial branch in public life.
Justice Antonin Scalia [ Watch Clip | Questions ]
 President Reagan nominated Justice Scalia as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and he took his seat on September 26, 1986. In a wide-ranging discussion with seniors from Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, VA, he disputes the idea of a living Constitution, reiterates his opposition to cameras in the U.S. Supreme Court, and discusses his youth growing up in Queens, New York.
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[ Watch Clip | Questions ] Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
 In 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman named to the Supreme Court. As a young woman in the 1950's, Sandra Day O'Connor was unable to get a job with a law firm after graduating from Stanford Law School. There were few law firms at the time that would hire a woman as a lawyer. Justice O'Connor took her first position at a district attorney's office on a volunteer basis until a paid position was available. This first job started her on path she has continued throughout her career, spending most of it in public service. Justice O'Connor speaks about the satisfaction she had serving the public interest.
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Justice Clarence Thomas [ Watch Clip | Questions ]
 In 1991 Clarence Thomas became the second African American named to the Supreme Court. Growing up, Clarence Thomas thought he would study to become a Catholic priest. After his first year of college, he decided to attend law school. Upon graduation, after failing to get a job as a lawyer, he moved to Jefferson City, Missouri and obtained a position in the Attorney General's office. In discussing his own story with the students, Justice Thomas emphasized the importance of striving to succeed and reach one's full potential.
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Justice Stephen Breyer [ Watch Clip | Questions ]
 Justice Stephen Breyer discusses the federal courts' involvement in the ongoing debates over civil liberties and national security. Acknowledging there are disagreements amongst policymakers and others about how best to balance individual rights while preventing future terrorist attacks, Justice Breyer admitted the issue will ultimately be resolved in the courts. Nonetheless, Justice Breyer is not concerned disagreements exist, saying that shows "the democratic process is at work."
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