Established During the Pandemic Era

Trusted reviews of the year’s most important legal books

The Burton Book Review Program brings together leading scholars and practitioners to evaluate fresh titles in every corner of the law—so you can focus on the books that matter.

Excellence in Legal Literature

shine a spotlight on outstanding legal authors and guide readers toward exceptional scholarship. Established in 2021, the Program is the latest initiative from the Burton Awards, celebrated for honoring excellence in legal writing.

Current Issue

Featured Review

Our latest analysis of groundbreaking legal scholarship from the most respected voices in the field

In Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism (2024), retired Justice Stephen Breyer offers a thoughtful look at how judges interpret legal texts. Breyer argues for a pragmatic approach that values constitutional principles, purposes, and practical consequences alongside textual fidelity. Drawing on real cases from his time on the Court, he illustrates the strengths and limits of competing judicial methods in a clear, accessible style. Both legal professionals and curious readers will find his reflections insightful, particularly at a time of heightened ideological tension on the Court.

Current Issue

2025 Book List Preview

Our latest analysis of groundbreaking legal scholarship from the most respected voices in the field

Reading the Constitution

Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism

Editorial Board

Distinguished Committee

Renowned scholars and practitioners committed to advancing legal scholarship through rigorous analysis

Janet E. Stearns

Janet E. Stearns

Lecturer, University of Miami School of Law

MP Materials Portrait Shoot. Chicago IL. June 13, 2023. © 2023 Andrew Collings Photography.

MaryAnne Lavan

Former Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Lockheed Martin Corporation

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Dean C. Rowan

Director of Reference & Research Services, Berkeley Law Library

Alan Untereiner

Alan Untereiner

Founding Partner, Robbins Russell & Former Partner, Mayer Brown

Kristen Tiscione

Kristen Tiscione

Professor of Legal Writing, Georgetown University Law Center

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Susannah Barton Tobin

Ezra Ripley Thayer Senior Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School

cecilia-profile

Cecilia A. Silver

Senior Research Scholar in Law, and Director of Legal Research and Writing

Melissa Weresh_Headshot-329x330

Melissa Weresh

Professor at Drake University Law School