Sounds like Chief Justice John Roberts is getting into the swing of things on the Court, with a bit of help from his new colleagues.

At the end of the first week of the Supreme Court's new term, the justices assembled to discuss the week's cases, and, following protocol, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. stated his own views first. Then, in keeping with the court's tradition for the justices-only conference, the new chief called on the others, one by one.

He did so in order of seniority, referring to his colleagues in the most formal terms. First, "Justice Stevens," followed by "Justice O'Connor" and then "Justice Scalia."

Justice Antonin Scalia interrupted. "I will always call you Chief," he said. "But to you, I'm Nino, and this is Sandra, and this is John."

This vignette, described by Justice Clarence Thomas at a judicial conference in Colorado Springs late last month, is deliciously revealing of a Supreme Court in the midst of a generational shift.

A classy move by Scalia – but also one that is a necessity for a younger man joining a select group as not merely an equal, but as the senior among them.

Enjoy the Linda Greenhouse piece this anecdote comes from – it tells us how Roberts is touched by this change, and how his coming has lightened the mood of the Court.

Posted by: Greg at 02:09 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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