Justice Antonin Scalia has been an eloquent proponent of originalist thought in constitutional interpretation. He has made major contributions to the field of stautory interpretation. He has also been recognized, and rightly so, as one of the finest prose stylists on the Supreme Court, known for his powerful and blistering dissents. Even his ideological opponents cannot deny his brilliance.
And he picks this as his finest moment on the Court?
Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Nino? While there were certainly valid arguments to be made in favor of Justice Scalia’s not recusing himself in the Cheney case, it seems a bit odd for him to claim his non-recusal as his “proudest” moment on the bench.
(It might be different if, say, Justice Scalia had not written a single interesting opinion during all his years on the Court. Yes, Justice Souter, we’re talking about you.)
At the same lecture, Justice Scalia also stated: “For Pete’s sake, if you can’t trust your Supreme Court justice more than that, get a life.”
Pretty tough talk from a Supreme Court justice. Were there any colorful hand gestures to accompany it?
Scalia Stands by Decision in Cheney Case [AP]
Justice Scalia’s “Proudest Thing” [WSJ Law Blog]
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