I think judicial temperament is a willingness to step back from your own committed views of the correct jurisprudential approach and evaluate those views in terms of your role as a judge. It's the difference between being a judge and being a law professor.
Interpretation
Judicial temperament involves being able to reflect on one’s own beliefs about law while considering the impartial role of a judge.
In this quote, John Roberts emphasizes the importance of judicial temperament, which he describes as the ability of a judge to detach personal convictions from their role in the courtroom. He contrasts the mindset of a judge, who must evaluate cases objectively, with that of a law professor, who may advocate for specific legal theories or approaches. This perspective highlights the necessity of impartiality and self-examination in the pursuit of justice.
In practice
In a lecture about the role of judges in the legal system.
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.
If children do not understand the Constitution, they cannot understand how our government functions, or what their rights and responsibilities are as citizens of the United States.
By ensuring that no one in government has too much power, the Constitution helps protect ordinary Americans every day against abuse of power by those in authority.
Simple people... are very quick to see the live facts which are going on about them.
How many times must a man look up Before he can see the sky? Yes, 'n' how many ears must one man have Before he can hear people cry? Yes, 'n' how many deaths will it take till he knows That too many people have died? The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind, The answer is blowin' in the wind.
The wise are instructed by reason, average minds by experience, the stupid by necessity and the brute by instinct.
You can always lie to others and hide your actions from them... but you can not fool yourself
Search, no matter what situation you are in. O thirsty one, search for water constantly. Finally, the time will come when you will reach the spring.
Those who do not know the torment of the unknown cannot have the joy of discovery.
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