Legal Commentary

Justice Breyer on Art and Food

By TChris

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.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on May 13, 2009 (boomark / email).