Golden State Today

In the latest episode of Berkeley Talks, Michael Waldman, president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, delves into the history of the Supreme Court and its potential long-term impact on American society. The discussion, recorded in April 2024 with UC Berkeley Law Professor Maria Echaveste, explores how recent decisions by the court could shape future generations.

“When you think of the topics for the first two years of this supermajority — guns, abortion, affirmative action, the interest of the fossil fuel industry — that doesn’t sound like a court,” Waldman remarked. “That sounds like a political caucus.”

Waldman emphasized the importance of distinguishing between reverence for the Constitution and rule of law and scrutinizing the specific role played by this Supreme Court. "I think disentangling our reverence for the Constitution and the rule of law, which is vital to the country and deeply embedded in who we are, with the specific role of the Supreme Court, and especially this Supreme Court, is a challenge. But I think we have to find a way to do it," he added.

Although significant decisions were made by the Supreme Court in June and July 2024, they were not discussed during this conversation as it occurred prior to their issuance.

The event was part of Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy's new Interrogating Democracy series. The Brennan Center is recognized as a nonpartisan law and policy institute focused on enhancing democracy and justice systems. Waldman is also noted for his constitutional expertise and authorship of "The Supermajority: How the Supreme Court Divided America" published in 2023. His career includes serving on President Biden's Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court in 2021 and working in President Bill Clinton’s White House alongside Echaveste.

A video recording of their conversation is available for viewing.

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