Chief Justice John Roberts remarks to the Federalist Society
By Alexham Posted in Federalist Society | Law — Comments (7) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
O.k., I am back here in the grand ball room of the Mayflower hotel, and I am waiting to hear Chief Justice John Roberts give the Seventh Annual Barbara K. Olson Memorial Lecture on Limited Government and the Spirit of Freedom. I've never heard Chief Justice Roberts before in person, so I am excited to be here. I'll be live blogging the Chief's remarks below the fold in a few minutes, so stay tuned, and enjoy the musings of one of the greatest jurisprudential bad asses of our times.
(Live blogging below the fold)
Eugene Meyer, president of the Federalist Society, is introudcing Chief Justice John Roberts.
(standing ovation, warm welcome)
Chief Justice John Roberts's remarks:
"Barbara Olson was a good friend, and I am honored to give this lecture. Despite the tragedy of her death, she continues to inspire us.
The Federalist Society quite rightly looks to the Constitution to preserve limited government and our liberties.
I am going to speak tonight about James Madison, and aspect of his presidency--his judicial appointments. These appointments have not been discussed a great deal by his biographers. This is understanable, given that President Madison was dealing with war and other important matters.
Unlike Jefferson, Madison was not hostile to a the idea of a strong federal judiciary (or the Marshall Court). Indeed, Madison had great confidence in then Chief Justice John Marshall.
President Madison had to turn his attention to the Supreme Court only 18 months after his election, and in the wake of Fletcher v. Peck. After three unsucessful nominations and another Supreme Court vacancy, President Madison nominated Joseph Story and Gabriel Duvall, and both men were confirmed the next business day! That's right, I said the next business day. (laughter)
*Lots of geeky details on Duvall and Story. This is a big-time law-geek speech. I am loving it, but it is difficult to summarize*
There can be little dispute that Story's appointment had a profound impact on the Supreme Court. Madison showed good judgment in appointing Story to the Supreme Court. Madison knew better than anyone that a strong federal judiciary was essential to preserving the separation of powers.
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Chief Justice John Roberts remarks to the Federalist Society 7 Comments (0 topical, 7 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
I was president of my law school's chapter. I miss the conventions. I wonder if Ted Olson still hosts his great barbecues. It was at one that I met his wife Barbara. She was a lovely and gracious host --- very different than her fiery public persona.
We met another great woman there. Her name is Mary Ellen Bork. I wish them both well.
"Nothing works like freedom, Nothing succeeds like liberty"
Kyle
Stare decisis is fo' suckas -- Feddie
will publish a few of the transcripts of the convention's speakers? In particular: Chief Justice Roberts, and Justices Thomas, Scalia and Alito.
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“Well, the trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn't so.” – Ronald Reagan
A number of addresses and programs from last year's convention have audio up at the Society's website. I suspect there will be similar things done for this year's programs.
Roberts' speech will have been recorded - they always have the tape on for the Olson lecture. They did not record the speeches at the dinner last year - which is where Thomas, Scalia and Alito spoke - but with the PReisdent there this year, maybe they set up the equipment.
I suspect there will be info on the Society website in the next couple weeks on that.
www.fed-soc.org - in the Events section.
Just my luck, Justice Scalia's previous remarks at the Olson Lecture were unavailable.
But that's okay... Judge Randolph's foray into Judge Friendly's draft opinion looks promising.
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“Well, the trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn't so.” – Ronald Reagan
That man is just...the best. Quite possibly the most brilliant justice or chief justice to ever serve on the Supreme Court.