Good Judges Develop Certain Habits

In Southern Italy, Where My Grandparents Had Lived, There Were Few Opportunities. The Society Was Static, With Rigid Social Classes. Poor People, Like My Grandparents, Had Little Chance To Improve Their Lives, No Matter Their Talents Or Willingness To Work.

A Judge Can't Have Any Preferred Outcome In Any Particular Case. The Judge's Only Obligation - And It's A Solemn Obligation - Is To The Rule Of Law.

The Most Important Quality For A Judge Is Open- Mindedness To The Arguments.

If Settled Means That It Cant Be Re-examined, Thats One Thing. If Settled Means That It Is A Precedent That Is Entitled To Respect Then It Is A Precedent That Is Protected.

In Order To Have A Society In Which Public Issues Can Be Openly And Vigorously Debated, It Is Not Necessary To Allow The Brutalization Of Innocent Victims.