Chief Justice Roberts Answers Student Questions

This video originally aired on Friday, February 23, 2007.

About This Video

At Northwestern University Law School in Chicago, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts answers questions from students about his opinion on term limits for Supreme Court justices, job qualifications of Supreme Court justices, and which previous Chief Justice he would like to have a conversation with and why.

Discussion Questions

  1. Which previous Supreme Court Chief Justice would Chief Justice Roberts like to have a conversation with? Why?
  2. According to Chief Justice Roberts, how does the Supreme Court’s decision in Dred Scott v. Sandford illustrate the Court "trying to do so much more than resolve a particular dispute"? What does Chief Justice Roberts describe as the ultimate consequence of this decision?
  3. How has the prerequisite to become a Supreme Court justice changed over time? Why does Chief Justice Roberts believe it is beneficial to have Supreme Court justices with experience on the Federal Appellate Court?
  4. What are Chief Justice Roberts' views on term limits for Supreme Court justices? Explain both sides of the issue. Do you agree with Chief Justice Robert’s reasoning? Why or why not?

Keywords

JUDICIAL, Judicial Theory and Philosophy, Justices, Landmark Court Decisions, U.S. Supreme Court

Related Subjects/Topics

  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Constitution
  • U.S. History

Speakers

  • Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts