The nomination of Judge John Roberts to the position of chief justice magnifies the important task already facing the Senate.  Often referred to as "first among equals," the chief justice plays a unique role in shaping the future of our country and our court.

 

The chief justice represents and defines not just the Supreme Court, but the entire federal judiciary of the United States.  As the public face of our nation’s courts, the chief justice must embody the judiciary’s highest ideals: fairness, impartiality and a commitment to realizing the words inscribed over the Court’s entrance – "equal justice under law." 

 

Given the powerful role of the chief justice, it is even more vital that the Senate have a full understanding of Judge Roberts's record and his judicial philosophy.  If confirmed as chief justice, John Roberts would be the most powerful judge in America--most likely for decades to come.  Before he is entrusted with that power, the American people must be assured that he will protect the individual rights and freedoms we all cherish.

 

 

Alliance for Justice needs you to stand with us and demand that the White House release all the requested documents regarding John Roberts.  In the face of two vacancies on the Supreme Court, how this first nomination is handled will set the precedent for those that follow.  Please support Alliance for Justice in our call for full disclosure.

 

Some of Roberts’ supporters have dismissed concerns raised by the documents released to date, claiming that the writings were the “work of a young lawyer” and did not necessarily represent his views today.  The documents requested are from a decade later, from his work as a powerful political appointee in the Solicitor General’s office.  They are the most recent, relevant documents representing John Roberts’ work in the public sector.

 

The Senate has a constitutionally-prescribed co-equal role in this process, which it must fulfill it by calling for and examining all relevant documents, just as it did when Chief Justice Rehnquist was nominated for elevation.  The Senate should insist that the White House provide all materials shedding light on Roberts’s views on privacy, civil rights, women’s rights, public health and worker protections.  Because the Solicitor General’s Office memos may provide the best insight into his views, Alliance for Justice calls for the Senate to demand full disclosure.

 

 

The way the Senate handles the Roberts nomination will set an important precedent for future nominations to the Supreme Court. .

 

 Alliance for Justice will continue to fight for a fair and independent judiciary. You can help by sending this email to 10 of your friends, and asking them to join Alliance for Justice Supreme Court Action Network.  They'll be able to access all the latest information about John Roberts and the confirmation process.

 

 

Nan Aron

President and Founder

Alliance for Justice