Bush got what he wanted on court

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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/264296_means26.html

Bush got what he wanted on court

By MARIANNE MEANS
SYNDICATED COLUMNIST

WASHINGTON-- Well, that was quick. The amiable honeymoon of Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. on the high court is already over.

The string of mostly unanimous decisions since his first term began in October ended abruptly last week with a Fourth Amendment case. Roberts, writing for a cranky minority, shed his professed devotion to civility and moderation in a scathing dissent that dismissed the majority as "a bit overwrought."

The court ruled 5-3 that police may not search a home without a warrant if one occupant permits it, but another one who is there says no. A house is still a man's castle -- but if he shares it with a roommate or spouse, it is the co-occupant's castle as well.

In disagreement, Roberts predictably was joined by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas. Justice Samuel Alito was silent because he was not on the bench when the case was argued.

If there were any doubts about Roberts' preference for governmental authority over claims of individual rights, they have been put to rest. President Bush got just the strict constructionist judge he wanted.

[bemildred]

1. Strict obstructionist is more like it. nt