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Approach Quote by John Roberts

“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.” quote by John Roberts
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“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.”

John Roberts

About This Quote

Source Speech: Judicial Conference Remarks, 2015

A judge must set aside personal biases and assess cases impartially, unlike an academic who debates theory.

In simple terms: Judges need impartiality, not personal preference.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize role over personal views.

Themes

impartiality judicial duty objectivity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

professional ethical

When to use this quote

  • courtroom decisions
  • law school teaching
  • appeal reviews
  • policy analysis

Key Concepts

legal ethics role theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you recognize your own biases?
  • When does academic insight benefit judicial reasoning?
A Different Perspective

Personal convictions can still subtly influence rulings.

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