304 Quotes by John Roberts

appreciate the difference in institutional competence between the legislature and the courts.

I think it's important to adhere to that ... if these questions come before me, either on the court on which I know sit or if I am confirmed on the Supreme Court, ... I need to decide those questions with an open mind on the basis of the arguments presented ... and the precedence of the court.

Judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules. They apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules. But it is a limited role. Nobody ever went to a ballgame to see the umpire.

Anything you say can and will be used against you.

Judges have to have the humility to recognize that they operate within a system of precedent, shaped by other judges equally striving to live up to the judicial oath.

I think the markets would be a little upset if they thought it would be World War III that would drag Congress to a halt but this does not appear to be that kind of scenario,

I will be vigilant to protect the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, and I will work to ensure that it upholds the rule of law and safeguards those liberties that make this land one of endless possibilities for all Americans.

I was a staff lawyer, ... I didn't have a position.

You're supposed to be the dispassionate observer when it comes to these events, but you couldn't help be provoked to outrage by what you saw. There was just no plan to take care of these people whatsoever.