Breyer: An Eight-Member Court Will 'Do Our Work'

"For the most part, it will not change," said Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer of sitting on an eight-member court, reports Politico. "We'll miss him, but we'll do our work." Breyer made an appearance at the Newseum yesterday, where he was interviewed by NBC correspondent Pete Williams. (We snapped this photo of the justice during a '14 talk.)

The justice pointed out that half of the Supreme Court's cases are decided unanimously. Only about 20% of decisions are 5-4. If decisions come down to a 4-4 split, the lower court's ruling stands (though no precedent is set).

Breyer also spoke about the late Justice Scalia: "He was absolute fun. Underlying a very, very sharp wit, a very strong intellect and an ability to see the humorousness in different situations, underlying that was an absolute seriousness of purpose." He mentioned that Scalia was "absolutely serious about the Constitution," and helped make life at the High Court more pleasant for those who work there.

Justice Samuel Alito spoke on Tuesday about sitting an eight-member Supreme Court, saying, "We'll see what develops." [Politico]

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Washington, D.C. Newsletters
Related Stories

270-Unit Manassas Gated Community Sells: The D.C. Deal Sheet

BXP Closes In On Next D.C. Office Development As It Shrinks Assets

How Metropolis Is Bringing Parking Into The Future With AI And Recognition Technology

Montgomery County Approves 18-Month Data Center Moratorium

With New $250M Deal, Elme Is Fully Set To Liquidate

Simpson Thacher Appears In Talks For What Could Be One Of D.C.'s Largest Office Leases In 2026

Hines Nabs 4 Prince William Housing Sites: The D.C. Deal Sheet

AvalonBay Sells 217-Unit Community Next To Greensboro Metro

GSA Head Says Federal Government Has 'Place To Play' In Southwest D.C. Redevelopment

Downtown D.C. Office In Receivership Hits Market For Conversion

Nonprofit Takes On $105M Silver Spring Project: The D.C. Deal Sheet

Janeese Lewis George Wants To Stabilize Rent. The Question Is How