Richard Garnett Chief Quotations

When he was first on the court, he was challenging the dominant way of thinking. But when he became chief, he decided his role was different. The chief has a stewardship obligation, in his view, and is the face of the court and caretaker of the institution. That's bound to change the way you do things.

Even if the president wasn't up to it in alligators and his approval rating was 90 percent, John Roberts simply is the best guy for the chief justice's job. I think the thought of having John Roberts join him on the court kept the chief going despite his cancer. I think he's probably smiling about it now.

Before Chief Justice Rehnquist, it really was like nine scorpions in a bottle.