Justice Breyer on Art and Food

By TChris, Section Supreme Court
Posted on Tue May 12, 2009 at 09:02:52 PM EST
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If Justice Breyer had his way, lawyers and litigants would be able to get a decent meal when a federal judge recesses for lunch.

"Every federal courthouse could have something called a citizens advice bureau," he suggests. "Not necessarily legal advice—'What's your problem?' 'Maybe you ought to see a doctor, I don't know,'" he joked. He thinks that serving tasty food helps, too. "It's important to have a good restaurant in a building."

The quality of advice dispensed by a "citizens advice bureau" would likely depend upon whether a Democratic or Republican administration hired the advice giver. Good food, on the other hand, is a bipartisan joy. [more ...]

Justice Breyer also champions interesting art and architecture in federal courthouses.

"So the people who wander there are not totally dismal, even if their case is hopeless," he says.

Few nervous defendants who pace around in anticipation of a guilty verdict will be cheered by colorful artwork. A good sandwich, on the other hand, might make the verdict easier to swallow.

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Justice Breyer on Art and Food | 6 comments (6 topical)

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Good food makes sense! {grin} (none / 0) (#1)
by nycstray on Tue May 12, 2009 at 10:37:16 PM EST

and while I think art can def alter an environment, I'm not sure I agree with his thought process . . .

If I ever have to face a judge, I would like him not to be coming back from a crappy meal, don't know if I would be looking at the art though. Perhaps they may want to delve a bit into color and it's effect for a more calming space :)

Anti-American (none / 0) (#2)
by koshembos on Wed May 13, 2009 at 07:49:11 AM EST

In Europe most eateries have at least decent food and art works are everywhere. The US has plenty of bad food and art work on display is rare. I don't know whether European are more cheerful than American, but I doubt it. I am, however, for Breyer's advice.

Breyer is a real Renaissance man (none / 0) (#3)
by Radiowalla on Wed May 13, 2009 at 10:40:55 AM EST

I had the pleasure of meeting him in his chambers once and was so impressed with his easy, urbane manner. In fact, he reminded me of European men.

I don't know (none / 0) (#4)
by SOS on Wed May 13, 2009 at 10:53:03 AM EST

Maybe Courthouses should require everyone from the lawyers to the jury, etc to lunch on a piece of baloney on stale white bread, side of hash browns and a glass of kool aid so they don't forget where the back door leads to.

: I like that idea.... (none / 0) (#5)
by kdog on Wed May 13, 2009 at 12:18:42 PM EST

Besides, it is an impossible enough task to adminster justice fairly and equally...and with so much at stake, maybe we should concentrate on the task at hand instead of worrying about what is on the walls and what is for lunch.

I listen to Alex Jones and ... (none / 0) (#6)
by Sumner on Wed May 13, 2009 at 01:17:44 PM EST

The Nazis preferred an orchestra to play classical music for inmates marching to their deaths, to calm and soothe them.