C. Describe what Roberts' statement during the public hearings in the scenario indicates about his views
on the role of the court, and explain how this could affect his future decision. In September 2005, the Senate Judiciary
Committee held four public hearings to
consider John Roberts for the position of
Chief Justice of the United States. In his
opening statement at the hearings, Roberts
stated that "Judges and justices are servants
of the law, not the other way around. Judges
are like umpires. Umpires don't make the
rules; they apply them. The role of an umpire
and a judge is critical. They make sure
everybody plays by the rules. But it is a
limited role." Senators then asked Mr.
Roberts a series of questions about his
experience and record as a judge, and views
on a variety of judicial and legal issues. On
September 29, 2005, the Senate confirmed
John Roberts as the 17th Chief Justice by an
overwhelming and bipartisan vote. All 55
Republican senators, 22 Democratic
senators, and one Independent senator
voted in favor of confirmation, while 22
Democratic senators opposed his
confirmation.