You will read in the newspaper more often about federal courts, but the law that affects people, the trials that affect human beings are by and large in the state courts
Stephen BreyerRead
At least there's a political input, but when you put on the robe, at that point the politics is over.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transition from political involvement to impartiality in the judicial role.
In this quote, Stephen Breyer highlights the critical moment when a judge transitions from their previous political affiliations to assuming the role of an impartial arbiter of justice. The act of putting on the robe symbolizes the commitment to fairness and neutrality, suggesting that once a judge assumes their judicial responsibilities, they must set aside any political biases and focus solely on the law and its application.
Themes
Judicial ImpartialityPoliticsJusticeLeadershipLaw
In practice
Example use cases
Referencing this quote in a discussion about the role of judges in political environments.
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Nobody wants a judge to be subject to the political whim of the moment.
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