A Less Divided Tribune
By Terry Eastland
Beyond the News
John Roberts has been chief justice for just five months now, but already he's shown why President Bush appointed him. The Supreme Court has decided 39 cases, and Roberts has written three majority opinions. Each is well-written; each fairly treats the key issues and reaches a clear and persuasive conclusion.
The three were unanimously decided. But they're hardly the only ones. In fact, the last nine cases have been unanimous. That won't continue but it does suggest that the Roberts court may prove a less divided tribune.
Roberts is behind that. He came from a court whose members tried to reach a broadly acceptable resolution--and which was often unanimous. And his new colleagues say he encourages actual discussion when the justices meet in conference--something seldom done under his predecessor. Roberts draws a sharp distinction between law and politics and he tries to honor it at the conference table. The youngest justice, he is having a powerful and welcome impact.
Beyond the News
John Roberts has been chief justice for just five months now, but already he's shown why President Bush appointed him. The Supreme Court has decided 39 cases, and Roberts has written three majority opinions. Each is well-written; each fairly treats the key issues and reaches a clear and persuasive conclusion.
The three were unanimously decided. But they're hardly the only ones. In fact, the last nine cases have been unanimous. That won't continue but it does suggest that the Roberts court may prove a less divided tribune.
Roberts is behind that. He came from a court whose members tried to reach a broadly acceptable resolution--and which was often unanimous. And his new colleagues say he encourages actual discussion when the justices meet in conference--something seldom done under his predecessor. Roberts draws a sharp distinction between law and politics and he tries to honor it at the conference table. The youngest justice, he is having a powerful and welcome impact.
posted by HeavyHanded at
10:10 AM
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