Judges have to have the humility to recognize that they operate within a system of precedent, shaped by other judges equally striving to live up to the judicial oath. John Roberts equallyhumilityjudge Change image and share on social
Judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules. They apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules. But it is a limited role. Nobody ever went to a ballgame to see the umpire. John Roberts applyballgamecritical share on social
I don't type on the computer or edit. Law students who went to law school really just a couple years after I did were brought up all on the computers and that's how they do it, but I was still part of the older school. John Roberts bringcomputercouple share on social
The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race. John Roberts basisdiscriminatediscrimination Change image and share on social
When I worked in the Department of Justice, in the office of the solicitor general, it was my job to argue cases for the United States before the Supreme court. I always found it very moving to stand before the justices and say, 'I speak for my country.' John Roberts arguecasecountry share on social
I think judicial temperament is a willingness to step back from your own committed views of the correct jurisprudential approach and evaluate those views in terms of your role as a judge. It's the difference between being a judge and being a law professor. John Roberts approachbackcommit share on social
When we go to a restaurant, they don't ask, 'Do you want the asbestos section or the non-asbestos section?' They do ask, 'Do you want smoking or nonsmoking?' John Roberts asbestosnonsmokingrestaurant Change image and share on social
Legislative novelty is not necessarily fatal; there is a first time for everything. John Roberts fatallegislativenecessarily Change image and share on social
It's sobering to think of the seventeen chief justices; certainly a solid majority of them have to be characterized as failures. The successful ones are hard to number. John Roberts characterizechieffailure Change image and share on social
I will be vigilant to protect the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, and I will work to ensure that it upholds the rule of law and safeguards those liberties that make this land one of endless possibilities for all Americans. John Roberts americancourtendless share on social
