In her recently published memoir, Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett provides an insightful exploration of her judicial principles, framed by her reflections on several pivotal Supreme Court decisions that have significantly influenced American legal history. Rather than merely outlining legal doctrines, Barrett delves into the enduring societal consequences of these rulings, underscoring the delicate interplay between adhering to the Constitution’s original meaning and adapting to contemporary societal shifts.

Among the landmark cases she examines, Barrett spotlights Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade as critical junctures that challenged both the Court’s authority and the nation’s social fabric. Her analysis highlights how these decisions have shaped ongoing debates about equality, individual rights, and the role of the judiciary.

Barrett organizes her reflections around three central themes:

• Constitutional Interpretation: The tension between originalism and the living Constitution approach.
• Protection of Individual Liberties: Judicial efforts to safeguard personal freedoms.
• Federalism: The evolving balance of power between state governments and the federal system.