Meaning: The quote "We current justices read the Constitution in the only way that we can: as 20th-century Americans" by William Brennan, Jr., a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, reflects the idea of interpreting the U.S. Constitution in a contemporary context. This statement raises important questions about the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution and the evolving nature of constitutional law in the United States.

William Brennan, Jr. served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1956 to 1990 and was known for his progressive and liberal views on constitutional interpretation. In this quote, Brennan suggests that as justices, they are bound to interpret the Constitution through the lens of their contemporary society, which in his case was the 20th century. This view aligns with the concept of a living Constitution, which acknowledges that the meaning of the Constitution can evolve over time to adapt to the changing values and needs of society.

Brennan's statement reflects a departure from the strict constructionist approach to constitutional interpretation, which emphasizes a literal reading of the Constitution based on the original intent of the framers. Instead, he advocates for a more flexible and dynamic approach that takes into account the realities of the present day. This approach is often associated with the philosophy of judicial activism, where judges are seen as having a more active role in shaping and interpreting the law to address contemporary social issues.

The quote also touches on the idea of judicial realism, which acknowledges that judges are influenced by their own social, political, and cultural context when interpreting the law. Brennan's assertion that justices read the Constitution as 20th-century Americans highlights the inherent subjectivity involved in constitutional interpretation and the impact of contemporary values on the Court's decisions.

Furthermore, Brennan's statement raises questions about the role of the judiciary in a democratic society. By acknowledging the influence of their contemporary context on constitutional interpretation, justices are inherently grappling with the tension between upholding the original principles of the Constitution and adapting its interpretation to meet the needs of a changing society. This dynamic process underscores the ongoing debate about the proper role of the judiciary in safeguarding individual rights and promoting social progress within the boundaries of constitutional law.

In conclusion, William Brennan, Jr.'s quote encapsulates the complexities of constitutional interpretation in a modern context. It highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of constitutional law, the influence of contemporary values on judicial decision-making, and the ongoing debate about the role of the judiciary in a democratic society. Brennan's perspective continues to provoke discussion and reflection on the principles that underpin the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.