Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has stepped into a new role—not as a jurist, but as an author. Her book, Listening to the Law, released on September 9 by Sentinel, aims to demystify the judicial system for everyday readers.
Barrett, who previously taught law, uses the book to explain how courts operate and how decisions are reached, all while weaving in reflections from her own experiences on and off the bench.
Reports indicate she received a $2 million advance for the project, underscoring the public interest in her perspective.
In an interview with USA TODAY, Barrett expanded on professional issues, personal stories, and cultural debates. Her insights highlight not only her legal philosophy but also the human side of one of the nation’s most influential figures.
Defending the Overturning of Roe v. Wade
One of the most controversial chapters in Barrett’s judicial career was her participation in the 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. In her book, she defends the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which found no constitutional basis for abortion rights.
“The evidence does not show that the American people have traditionally considered the right to obtain an abortion so fundamental to liberty that it ‘goes without saying’ in the Constitution,” she wrote.
Barrett contrasts the divisive abortion debate with widespread support for liberties such as marriage, contraception, and child-rearing. She urges readers to engage with the Court’s majority and dissenting opinions to fully understand the complexity of the ruling.
A Family Vacation with Dobbs in Tow
Barrett’s legal influence doesn’t stop at the courthouse—it extends to family vacations. After the Dobbs decision, her brother-in-law, a non-lawyer, arrived at the annual Coney family trip armed with the 79-page majority opinion and 91 pages of dissents.
“You always say ‘read the opinion,’ so that’s what I’m doing,” he told her. Though abortion wasn’t her ideal vacation topic, Barrett appreciated his effort and hugged him. She noted that while she always advises people to read Supreme Court rulings, few—lawyers included—actually do.
The Blank Notepad Moment
Barrett’s confirmation hearings in 2020 produced a viral moment when Senator John Cornyn asked what notes she was relying on. While others had binders of material, Barrett held up a blank notepad. She had been citing laws and cases entirely from memory.
Looking back, she admitted Cornyn took a risk with his question. “Nobody could see what I had on my pad,” she said. “I was just lucky I hadn’t written anything I wouldn’t have wanted the world to see.”
Balancing Empathy and the Law
Barrett acknowledges that legal decisions can appear “cold” to the public. In one case, the Court allowed the Trump administration to end a humanitarian migration program that had aided Haitians—an issue personal to her, as two of her children were adopted from Haiti.
Judges, she explained, must separate empathy from rulings: “I have to be willing to render decisions that are consistent with the law even when I find them distasteful, painful, or the antithesis of what I would prefer.”
Staying Grounded as a Justice and Mother
Despite her elevated role, Barrett says her family keeps her grounded. Her seven children rarely boast about their mother’s job, preferring normalcy. Even among her five sisters and brother, being the eldest or a justice doesn’t earn her privileges—like choosing bedrooms first on vacation.
Security, Culture, and Public Service
Barrett also addressed the growing threats facing Supreme Court justices. Once rare, security details have become routine. She expressed gratitude for U.S. Marshals and the Supreme Court Police but lamented that violence and intimidation have become part of public service.
“Violence or threats of violence should not be the price of public service, and certainly not against family members. Something needs to change in our culture,” she said.
Views on Feminism and Identity
Barrett deliberately uses feminine pronouns—“she” and “her”—in her writing, a practice she began as a law professor. Asked if she identifies as a feminist, she hesitated: “The label ‘feminist’ means a lot of different things to different people.”
Instead, she describes herself as a strong, independent woman who has made unconventional choices, such as raising a large family while building a high-profile career.
Optimism About the Rule of Law
In a political climate where some question the survival of constitutional norms, Barrett remains confident. She acknowledged the challenges posed by political attacks on the judiciary but pointed to America’s long history of resilience.
“My optimism is rooted in the fact that, here we are at 250 years and we have maintained the rule of law all this time,” she said. For Barrett, that legacy makes it difficult to imagine a future where historical patterns of stability do not continue.
