Federal Judiciary

Toughest moot court ever!

For three days last week, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. heard arguments in a real court in Washington. Then he came to New York to preside over a fake one ? the finals of the moot court competition at Columbia Law School.

Though he looked a little weary, Chief Justice Roberts?s questions were deft, and his wit was dry. A few of his remarks, during and after the argument, lit up a large lecture hall like summer lightning.

He talked a bit about the art of appellate argument, of which he is an acknowledged master, and he gave some hints about his judicial philosophy, which he presented as cautious and practical.

The four students who presented arguments on Thursday had been winnowed from a field of 55.

After they made their pitches, Chief Justice Roberts and the three stars of the appellate bench who sat with him gave brief critiques and then selected a winner.

Full post as published by Supreme Dicta on April 22, 2008 (boomark / email).