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.
The essentials are to learn to shape God with forethought, care, and work; to educate and benefit their community, their families and themselves; and to contribute to the fulfillment of the Destiny.
Even in the worst tragedies and crisis, there’s no reason to add to everyone’s misery by looking miserable yourself.
Screwing things up is a virtue. Being correct is never the point. I have an almost fanatically correct assistant, and by the time she re-spells my words and corrects my punctuation, I can't read what I wrote. Being right can stop all the momentum of a very interesting idea.
Slow but steady wins the race.
Now that I am sixty, I see why the idea of elder wisdom has passed from currency.
My love of dynamic complications often led me to avoid simplicity when perhaps it was the wisest choice.
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