Leader of the Court

Chief Justice John Roberts, speaking to Georgetown University law graduates, said that he hopes that the court can resolve questions in a manner that will maximize consensus and avoid 5-4 splits. The body frequently divided 5-4 in the final years of the the Rehnquist court.

Roberts said, "Division should not be artificially suppressed, but the rule of law benefits from a broader agreement. The broader the agreement among the justices, the more likely it is a decision on the narrowest possible grounds."

This is sound jurisprudence. Ever since Roberts came into the public arena, he has shown both a keen analytical mind and a capacity for sound judgment. More and more, it appears that he may become one of our greatest Chief Justices.

Hat Tip: Jonathon Alter