Supreme Court nominee says judges need restraint

[davidinalameda]

hope this isn't a dupe

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/08/03/MNGFOE235G1.DTL

In his first written response to questions from the lawmakers who will review his nomination to the Supreme Court, Judge John Roberts told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that judges must possess "a degree of modesty and humility," must be respectful of legal precedent and must be willing to change their minds.

The remarks, contained in a brief essay on judicial activism, expand on private conversations Roberts has had with senators, in which he has said he places a high emphasis on modesty and stability.

The essay, which provides the public the first glimpse of Roberts' philosophy in his own words, was part of his response to a wide-ranging questionnaire the Judiciary Committee sent him a week ago. In it, he seeks to cast himself as a proponent of judicial restraint -- a quality prized by some senators at a time when conservative critics of the judiciary are bemoaning "activist" judges.



I think I've heard enough--the whole issue of activist judges is such a load of crap. The right wingers know that they control the legislators and the executive branches and can push through any bills they want--we need the judiciary branch to keep them in check before they do any more damage to this country

[Wapsie B]

1. Yeah and as we all know,

it's only those evil leebrul judges who legislate from the bench. :puke:
If there is a heaven there must be a hell for the pod people.

[Supersedeas]

2. the executive privilege rubber stamp judge has spoken

[jojo54]

3. 'must be willing to change their minds'

O.K. THAT scares the hell out of me.

[Justitia]

4. Somehow I don't think his idea of "judicial restraint" is the same as mine

:scared:

[gratuitous]

5. Forget Roe v. Wade, based on that answer ask about Bush v. Gore

Does Mr. Roberts think that Supreme Court decision was properly rendered, and what would he do to remedy any defects he might see in the Court decision?

[Changenow]

11. Bingo.

The protection of state's rights. The imposition into political questions. etc...

[damntexdem]

6. Ok, Roberts is already a judge, so put him in restraints.

Why not give him what he wants?

[ugarte]

10. Bondage and full latex?

[Tempest]

7. 'Activist Judges' Mainly GOP Appointees Study Shows

http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/030204activistJudges.htm

[zara]

8. Good post to note that restraint against a right wing legislative...

and executive branch equals rubber stamp of right wing policies.
Of course, if leg or exec go left, then the ability for a "change of mind" becomes important, too hold the activists in check and respect the constitution.
All politics, all the time.
Will the man rise above it?
Its possible I suppose, but doubtful.
Still he's no Clarence Thomas.

[youspeakmylanguage]

9. I don't buy any of it...

I think we have a wolf in sheep's clothing here. He's going to walk and talk like a "Fair and Balanced" guy until he's confirmed. Then I can see him turning into another Scalia or Thomas.

I think we're going to get screwed on this one. We should have pushed for Gonzo.