Democracy in France and America with Justice Stephen Breyer and Christiane Taubira
Panel Discussion
Illustration by Pierre Buttin
National Constitution Center, Kirby Auditorium
525 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Thursday, May 15, 2025 | 6:30–7:30 p.m. ET
On May 15, join Villa Albertine, the French Institute for Culture and Education, in partnership with the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, for the third edition of the Democracy Series.
The Honorable Stephen G. Breyer, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (ret.) and National Constitution Center honorary co-chair, joins Christiane Taubira, former French justice minister, for a conversation on democracy, the rule of law, and constitutional traditions from French and American perspectives. Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, moderates.
This event is free and open to all. Join in person or online.
Explore all Democracy in an Age of Uncertainty events here.
Democracy in an Age of Uncertainty: French and American Perspectives is made possible thanks to the Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation.
The Panelists
Christiane Taubira
Born in Cayenne, French Guiana, Christiane Taubira is a prominent French politician, writer, and former Minister of Justice. She served in the National Assembly (1993–2012) and the European Parliament (1994–1999), and in 2001, authored the law recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity. As Justice Minister (2012–2016), she led major reforms, including the legalization of same-sex marriage. A committed voice for justice and culture, she is also the author of several acclaimed books.
Stephen G. Breyer
Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1994–2022), Stephen Breyer is widely acknowledged as one of the leading thinkers in American constitutional law. A comparative law expert, Harvard Law School professor, and author of numerous books, he is known for his pragmatic and humanistic approach to jurisprudence. As Honorary Co-Chair of the National Constitution Center, he continues to advocate for civic education and democratic dialogue in the United States.
Jeffrey Rosen
Jeffrey Rosen is the President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, where he hosts We the People, a weekly podcast of constitutional debate. He is also a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and a contributing editor of The Atlantic. He was previously the legal affairs editor of The New Republic and a staff writer for The New Yorker. Rosen’s new book is The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America. His other books include the New York Times bestseller Conversations with RBG: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Life, Love, Liberty, and Law, as well as biographies of Louis Brandeis and William Howard Taft. Rosen is a graduate of Harvard College; Oxford University, where he was a Marshall Scholar; and Yale Law School.
In partnership with
The Judy and Peter Blum Kovler Foundation
The Foundation’s work has included underwriting of such public spaces as Washington’s Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Holocaust Museum; in New York, the new Statue of Liberty Museum; and in Chicago, as early supporters of the Obama Presidential Center. In connection to French culture and history, it has underwritten efforts at Notre Dame restoration, the Louvre Endowment, and to Holocaust studies including the 1988 Academy Award winning documentary, Hotel Terminus, the Life and Times of Klaus Barbie.
National Constitution Center
Located in the historic heart of Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center (NCC) is the only U.S. institution exclusively dedicated to the Constitution of the United States. Opened in 2003, this interactive museum, civic forum, and education center is committed to deepening understanding of the U.S. Constitution and promoting democratic dialogue. Through its exhibitions, public programs, and educational resources, the NCC welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, including students, teachers, legal experts, researchers, and engaged citizens. It also serves as a vibrant space for debate, where thinkers, political leaders, and public figures come together to address major constitutional and civic issues of our time.
Alliance Francaise – Philadelphia
The Alliance Française of Philadelphia is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the French language and Francophone cultures. It offers French courses for all levels, along with a wide range of cultural events such as lectures, film screenings, and workshops. As part of the global network of the Foundation Alliance Française, it plays a key role in fostering intercultural dialogue. The institution serves both French speakers and Francophiles. It is a vibrant gathering place for the French-speaking community in the region.