Amy Coney Barrett Visits Santa Fe: A Discussion on Law and Justice

On March 8, 2026, St. John's College and the UNM School of Law hosted U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett for a discussion titled 'Listening to the Law' at the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe. Moderated by Hon. David F. Levi and Ben Allison, the conversation explored themes from her book, including her path to the Supreme Court and her judicial philosophy.

The event, however, stood out due to unprecedented security measures, including metal detectors and a significant security presence. This contrasted with previous appearances by other justices, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who were more accessible to the public.

Adding to the atmosphere, dozens of protesters gathered to voice their opinions on Justice Barrett's legal stances. Inside, the discussion was carefully managed, with questions seemingly pre-approved. This format differed from past events where justices like Antonin Scalia and Sonia Sotomayor engaged in more direct and spontaneous exchanges with students and faculty.

Sherri Burr, a UNM Law School professor emerita, noted the controlled nature of the event in her My View column, questioning the value of a session where answers appeared memorized and lacked genuine interaction. The Santa Fe New Mexican also reported on the event, further highlighting the contrasting experiences compared to past judicial visits.

The discussion centered on themes from her book 'Listening to the Law,' including her journey to the Supreme Court and her approach to interpreting the law.

The heightened security measures, pre-approved questions, and presence of protesters distinguished the event from past appearances.

Readers should note the increasing security and political polarization surrounding public appearances by Supreme Court justices. The controlled format of Justice Barrett's event raises questions about the accessibility and transparency of judicial dialogues with the public. This event underscores the importance of critical engagement with legal figures and awareness of diverse perspectives on legal issues.

What are your thoughts on the format of Justice Barrett's discussion? Do you believe Supreme Court justices should engage in more open Q&A sessions with the public? Share this article with others who need to stay informed!