Overview
- Speaking at the Washington Hilton on Nov. 6, the justices headlined the Federalist Society’s annual convention in a keynote conversation with students and lawyers.
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett told conservative women in law school to defy stereotypes, calling the stance an act of courage and independence.
- Referencing Charlie Kirk’s killing, Barrett promoted “strength and grace,” praising Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness and cautioning that “fighting poison with poison doesn’t work.”
- Justice Brett Kavanaugh urged students, “Don’t lose civility,” and said mentors like Antonin Scalia showed how to withstand withering criticism and stand on principle.
- Justice Samuel Alito attended without speaking, and the event followed Supreme Court arguments in a major tariffs case during a period of friction between President Trump and conservative legal organizers.