Barbara A. Perry, Carter Glass Professor of Government at Sweet Briar, led the College’s annual observance of Constitution Day on Sept. 16 with a talk on a timely subject.

She spoke on “Women on the Supreme Court: Do They Make a Difference?” before a crowd gathered in Josey Dining Room for a dinner lecture that included members of Hampden-Sydney College’s Prelaw Club.

Perry, who has authored several books on the Supreme Court, addressed the criteria that presidents use in selecting the justices and described the appointments of justices Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Sonia Sotomayor, who began serving on the Court in August.

Congress established Constitution Day in 2004 to recognize and celebrate the historic document as well as those who have become U.S. citizens. Although Sweet Briar marked the occasion a day early this year, it is observed on Sept. 17, the day the Constitution was signed in 1787.