Month: November 2014

Today we turn our attention to the 17th Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court — John G. Roberts.

At the time of his appointment in 2005, he was the third youngest to be appointed to the position. You need to go back to the early 19th century to find a younger man. So expect him to stay in this lifetime appointment for years to come.

He’s not flashy. Makes headlines by virtue of his job description. His views are often described as “Traditional”. Perhaps that’s a good thing. A little caution and tradition when dealing with issues affecting 350+ million residents is appropriate.

Expect him, and his co-workers, to make the several times this term. An important (okay, only important cases are considered at the court) decision on a portion of the Affordable Care Act (health care) is before the court. On a previous portion of the law Chief Justice Roberts cast the deciding vote. Will he do so again?

Stay tuned.

Do you want to interview a US Supreme Court Justice? Are you a member of a recognized media organization? May I suggest you approach Sonia Sotomayor.

While her workspace and sometimes her opinions are separate from the other justices of the court, she’s more likely to respond to requests from those outside of judicial circles.

Justice Sotomayor is only the third woman ever appointed to the court. Justice O’Connor retired three years prior to her confirmation. I can almost see Justice Ginsburg smile in welcome.

This lady’s path to her current position started in the Bronx and went through Yale Law School. Her father, a tool & die maker, died when she was still a child. Her mother, a nurse, emphasized education for both of her children. They are now a judge and a physician — the woman should be proud.

Several years as a prosecutor were followed by some time in private practice. It was her pro bono work at this time that brought her to the attention of politicians and a seat on the US District Court.

She’s the first Latina to sit on the highest court in the land. In her decisions she remembers her past and frequently votes with the “liberal” block of justices. This does not however, silence her own voice as she’s been known to write separate opinions and dissents in addition to casting her vote.

Integrity. Prudent. Cautious.

These are three of the words used by his peers to describe Samuel Alito prior to his nomination to the Supreme Court.

Justice Alito is a product of the East Coast. He was born in New Jersey, educated at Yale, and served in several positions within this geographical area. He’s also the son of teachers, a characteristic he shares with others on the court.

He was nominated to the court by President George W. Bush and took his seat early in 2006. His opinions and dissents fall on the conservative side of the issues of today.

The media coverage of Justice Alito is unflattering. All but the official biographical sketches dwell on brief breaches of manners — the sort of whispered word or facial expression that would be ignored by a non-judicial official.

It will be interesting if he happens to write any of the opinions of the major cases currently before the court. Then the public will have more actual thoughtful words to shape their own attitude.