why would think that these
nine people best to judge, weigh
policy judgments?
Chief Justice John Roberts of the United States Supreme Court asked this question from the bench in the case, Grants Pass v. Johnson, “Why would you think that these nine people are the best people to judge and weigh those policy judgments?”
I know I know I know … standing, procedure, precedent … Stare decisis … all that stuff, but boil it down.
Why would you think that these nine people are the best people to judge and weigh those policy judgments?
I am reminded of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. who said in a letter, “If my fellow citizens want to go to Hell I will help them. It’s my job (Letter to Harold J. Laski, March 4, 1920).
While I think this current court embraces the first part of the quote quite well, If their fellow citizens want to go to Hell, they will help them.
It is that 2nd part of the sentence.
WHY?
Because, IT’S THEIR JOB!
The New York Times reports that the court will issue 61 decisions this session.
The NYT stated that in the 1980’s the court averaged 160 decisions a session.
What a staggering work load.
I can understand the need for luxury vacations with a pace like that.
But in a different sense, I agree with Justice Roberts.
I grew up in a different time where respect for some things, the Church, the Flag and the Supreme Court was not a question but just accepted.
Seemingly it has all gone away and fast.
Today?
Why would I think that these nine people are the best people to judge and weigh any judgments?
You have me there.
No Haiku For You 