In a world where the inner workings of the Supreme Court often remain veiled, Justice Amy Coney Barrett is set to offer a rare glimpse into her judicial experience. Her upcoming book, “Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution,” is anticipated to shed light on her judicial approach and the Constitution.
Scheduled for release on September 9, Barrett’s book is described by its publisher, Sentinel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, as an invitation for readers to understand the Supreme Court through her perspective. The book promises to provide insights into Barrett’s decision-making process and her views on media scrutiny, all conveyed with the clarity that characterized her previous role as a law professor.
Sentinel notes, “With the warmth and clarity that made her a popular law professor, she brings to life the making of the Constitution and lays out her approach to interpreting its text, inviting readers to wrestle with questions of originalism and to embrace the rich heritage of the Constitution.”
Barrett, in a statement through Sentinel, emphasized the need for transparency in the judicial process, saying, “The process of judging, which happens behind closed doors, can seem like a mystery. It shouldn’t.”
Details of Barrett’s publishing deal first emerged in 2021. Financial documentation revealed she received a $425,000 advance from Sentinel as part of a deal reported to be worth $2 million. Additional information on her signing is available here.
Justice Barrett is not the only current member of the court to author a book. Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Neil Gorsuch have also published works in recent years.
At 53, Barrett is the youngest member of the Supreme Court, having joined in 2020 following the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Appointed by President Donald Trump, she has been pivotal in shaping the court’s conservative majority, which has influenced rulings on topics such as abortion rights, affirmative action in college admissions, and religious rights.
Justice Barrett has also been active in fostering civil discourse, engaging in joint public events with Justice Sotomayor. She conveyed to civics educators in Washington, “I don’t think any of us has a ‘my way or the highway’ attitude.” More on their appearances can be found here.
