Associate Justice Stephen Breyer sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021. Erin Schaff/Pool/Getty Images hide caption

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Erin Schaff/Pool/Getty Images

Associate Justice Stephen Breyer sits during a group photo of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on April 23, 2021.

Erin Schaff/Pool/Getty Images

After 27 years on the Supreme Court, liberal justice Stephen Breyer is retiring. His departure won't change the balance of the court, but it will give President Biden a chance to put his stamp on it — and cement a new, younger justice in place for decades.

NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg explains who might replace Breyer, and NPR political editor Domenico Montanaro outlines how the process will unfold.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Brent Baughman and edited by Krishnadev Calamur, Lee Hale, and Fatma Tanis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.

What Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer's Retirement Means