Another Supreme Court Poll
Above the Law has a fairly basic and straightforward poll: Who is your favorite Supreme Court Justice? Deciding my vote in this poll took more thought and time than the Concurring Opinions poll about the biggest case this term. How does one pick a favorite? What criteria does one use? I'd say that my personal judicial philosophy is closest to that of Justice Thomas. That's very important, but I don't know if that's enough to make him my "favorite." Justice Scalia is an excellent writer and spokesman for originalism and textualism. He's definitely a contender.
In the end, I cast my vote for Chief Justice Roberts. I was very impressed with his first term as Chief and his performance during his confirmation hearings. His questioning at oral argument is usually very direct and probing. He's not one to degenerate into giving speeches, eating into the lawyers' time. That's probably because of his previous career as a Supreme Court litigator. His opinions are well written, clear, and crisp. He avoids fluff and excess. The Chief also has a great sense of humor that occasionally shows up in opinions, at oral argument, and in speeches. He also instituted the policy of same day oral argument transcripts being posted online. That's a big plus in my book. Currently, he's my favorite Justice. Go vote for yours.
In the end, I cast my vote for Chief Justice Roberts. I was very impressed with his first term as Chief and his performance during his confirmation hearings. His questioning at oral argument is usually very direct and probing. He's not one to degenerate into giving speeches, eating into the lawyers' time. That's probably because of his previous career as a Supreme Court litigator. His opinions are well written, clear, and crisp. He avoids fluff and excess. The Chief also has a great sense of humor that occasionally shows up in opinions, at oral argument, and in speeches. He also instituted the policy of same day oral argument transcripts being posted online. That's a big plus in my book. Currently, he's my favorite Justice. Go vote for yours.
