Judge Thomas B. Griffith Moderates Conversation on Civility at National Governors Association with Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Barrett

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP special counsel and former D.C. Circuit judge Thomas B. Griffith recently moderated a conversation at the National Governors Association’s (NGA) winter conference between Supreme Court Associate Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Coney Barrett, who shared their views on the importance of  navigating disagreements with “reasoned arguments, civility and respect.”

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who serves as NGA Chair, opened the session with an overview of his bipartisan initiative “Disagree Better,” which promotes debating issues in a civil manner that avoids polarization. He then turned the stage to Judge Griffith, who he introduced as “one of the most eloquent voices in America for the idea of civic charity.”

“He helped shape my view on the importance of healthy conflict,” Gov Cox said. “Probably no one has had more influence on my views about polarization in this country.”

Judge Griffith led Justices Sotomayor and Barrett through a discussion about their individual approaches to legal disputes and personal differences and how they encourage collaboration and understanding in each context.

Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer began his recent New York Times editorial by speaking of Judge Griffith’s interview of his former colleagues and emphasizing the significance of their description of the collegiality that is the hallmark of the work of the Supreme Court in particular and the judiciary in general.

“In my tenure, this meant that we could listen to one another, which increased the chances of agreement or compromise,” Justice Breyer wrote. “And I wonder: If justices who disagree so profoundly can do so respectfully, perhaps it is possible for our politically divided country to do the same.”

To view the conversation, click here.