November 20, 2025


The Curious Culinary Choice of Justice John Paul Stevens

In the hallowed halls of the U.S. Supreme Court, where landmark decisions shape the contours of American life, there lies a lighter, more personal storyline that binds the justices together beyond legal debates. It involves, of all things, a sandwich—a simple culinary preference of the late Justice John Paul Stevens, which has now become an endearing anecdote about his daily routine.

Justice Stevens, who served on the Supreme Court from 1975 until his retirement in 2010, had a curious penchant for a particular type of sandwich, a detail so minute yet so peculiar that it has not escaped the memory of his colleagues. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who served alongside him, recalls, "Justice John Paul Stevens would have [this kind of sandwich] virtually every day that I sat with him for a year." This statement has sparked curiosity and amusement among those familiar with the Supreme Court's inner workings.

While the specific type of sandwich Justice Stevens favored is left as a tantalizing trivia question (the answer to which is revealed on the next page of the original trivia post), the revelation offers a glimpse into the personal habits that humanize the figures behind the bench. The Supreme Court, often viewed as a monolith of legal reasoning and high-stakes deliberations, is also a workplace where justices share meals and moments of light-heartedness.

This story not only underscores the unique traits of its members but also reflects the camaraderie and the shared human experiences that occur behind the scenes. As trivia enthusiasts and Supreme Court watchers might guess, the choice of sandwich—whether it be peanut butter and jelly or something more gourmet—adds a flavorful layer to the storied legacy of Justice Stevens.

In remembering Justice Stevens through this simple daily habit, colleagues and followers are reminded that behind the robes and legal opinions are individuals with preferences as ordinary and diverse as the populace they serve. This story invites us to reflect on the small joys and routines that contribute to the fullness of a public servant's life.

For those curious about the exact variety of sandwich that captured the taste buds of a Supreme Court Justice, the trivia question continues to serve as a delightful prompt in exploring the lighter side of judicial history.