Justice Stephen Breyer on Trump, the Rule of Law, and Whether the Supreme Court is Political

Justice Stephen Breyer on Trump, the Rule of Law, and Whether the Supreme Court is Political

Author: Bloomberg Law July 2, 2026 Duration: 58:17
Former Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer sits down with Bloomberg Law's Matthew S. Schwartz to discuss the Court, executive power, Dobbs, judicial independence, and the rule of law. Reflecting on nearly three decades on the bench — and the perennial question of whether politics shapes when justices choose to retire — he explains how justices make decisions, and why preserving public trust in the Supreme Court and the Constitution is essential, even as polls show trust in the judiciary near a 50-year low.

Every Monday, the legal world turns its attention to the nation's highest bench, and Cases and Controversies is there to provide essential context. This Bloomberg Law podcast goes beyond the headlines to examine the real-world implications of the Supreme Court's docket. Rather than dry legal summaries, you'll hear nuanced discussions that unpack the complex narratives and strategic thinking behind pivotal cases. Each episode either sets the stage for upcoming oral arguments or delves into a consequential ruling with the people who know it best. The conversations feature a range of voices, including seasoned Supreme Court advocates, federal judges, astute law professors, practicing attorneys, and sharp legal journalists. Together, they explore the tensions and philosophies shaping American jurisprudence. Tuning into this podcast offers a front-row seat to the debates that define our rights, our institutions, and our society. It’s for anyone who wants to understand not just what the Court decides, but how and why those decisions are made, presented with the clarity and authority you expect from Bloomberg Law.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Cases and Controversies
Podcast Episodes
Gun Ban Upheld in Opinion Dump Before Court Ends Term [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:35
The US Supreme court will release opinions Wednesday through Friday this week. The end of the term appears in sight with things usually wrapping up by the end of June. There are 14 decisions in argued cases still to hand…
Justices Rule on Guns, Abortion as End of Term Nears [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:39
The US Supreme Court issued its highly anticipated rulings in cases involving the abortion drug mifepristone and so-called bump stocks, with cases on presidential immunity, the administrative state, and the Jan. 6 Capito…
Supreme Court to Crank Out Opinions as Term End Nears [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:09
The US Supreme Court still has a lot left to do before it can close the term. Out of the 61 cases argued between October and April, the justices still have 29 to decide and they include some potential blockbusters. The c…
Official Act Is Sticking Point in Trump Immunity Claim [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:14
Donald Trump may still get a victory even if the Supreme Court rejects his claim for blanket immunity from criminal prosecution. Several key justices seemed inclined during arguments on Thursday to send Trump’s case back…
Idaho Abortion Ban Getting Supreme Court Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
The Supreme Court will hear its second abortion case of the term, this time on Idaho’s ban and the reach of federal law in anti-abortion states. The Biden administration argued that the federal Emergency Medical Treatmen…
US Supreme Court Considers Novel Charges Over Jan. 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:59
The Supreme Court will consider whether prosecutors went too far in charging Jan. 6 rioters with an Enron-era statute, in a case that could have implications for the criminal prosecution of former President Donald Trump.…
Homeless Dispute Getting Rare Supreme Court Hearing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:45
A fight over an Oregon city’s attempt to outlaw homelessness would make headlines in any other term. But the case, said to be the first of its kind in decades and set for argument April 22, has flown under the radar. The…
Supreme Court Abortion Pill Argument Light on Merits [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:48
Arguments in the challenge to the abortion drug mifepristone suggest the Supreme Court will nix the dispute on technical standing grounds. Justices from across the ideological spectrum suggested the anti-abortion doctors…