Chief Justice John Roberts spoke Wednesday in Buffalo, New York, championing the judiciary's independent authority. He emphasized its constitutional role as a check on the legislative and executive branches of government.
Chief Justice stated that the balance of power among the three branches does not function properly if the judiciary lacks independence. Judges must decide cases and, in doing so, restrain excesses from Congress or the president.
Speaking at an event marking a federal court anniversary, Roberts highlighted that the judiciary is a co-equal branch, separate from the others, with authority to interpret law and invalidate acts of Congress or the president.
His remarks drew applause from the audience of judges and lawyers. Roberts did not directly name President Donald Trump or discuss the tension between the branches during the current administration.
Asked about calls to impeach judges who rule against the executive, Roberts referenced a previous statement. He affirmed that impeachment serves as a mechanism for registering disagreement with judicial decisions.
Roberts issued a rare rebuke in March following calls at that time to impeach judges who had blocked parts of the administration's agenda, including immigration policies and efforts to reduce spending approved by Congress. For more than two centuries, he said in the earlier statement, impeachment has been understood as an inappropriate response to disagreements over court rulings. The appellate review process exists for that purpose.
While recent administration statements have expressed commitment to honoring future Supreme Court rulings, the administration has interpreted ambiguity in high-profile cases to its advantage.
Roberts did not discuss the cases involving the president's second term that have recently arrived on the Supreme Court's emergency docket. These include appeals concerning the firing of independent agency board members and efforts to deport migrants under a 1798 law.
One case pending before the court involves the president's order seeking to end birthright citizenship. Lower courts blocked the action, and the administration has asked the justices to narrow the scope of those lower court orders. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in that matter on May 15.
Roberts also defended court decisions that overturn precedent. He noted that the frequency of overruling precedent is lower than in the 1950s. Overruling precedent is not inherently a negative action, he said, but courts cannot do so arbitrarily.
Asked about potential retirement, Roberts stated he had no such plans currently. He mentioned asking friends to tell him if they felt it was time for him to step down, noting they jokingly responded that it was already time.
He concluded by stating that he felt healthy and planned to continue in his role, adding, "I’m going out feet first."
