Economist Podcasts Into left field? America's chief justice
Jul 3, 2020
Stephen Mazey, chief correspondent for The Economist covering the Supreme Court, shares insights on Chief Justice John Roberts' balancing act between progressive rulings and conservative challenges. Alex Trevely, India correspondent based in Delhi, discusses the ramifications of India's ban on TikTok amidst rising geopolitical tensions and its emotional impact on users. The conversation also touches on the significant drop in Bordeaux wine prices, tied to climate change and the pandemic, revealing a shifting landscape for wine producers.
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Roberts' Shift
- Chief Justice John Roberts, appointed by George W. Bush, is known for his conservative stance and the belief that judges should be impartial.
- However, this term, he has sided with liberal justices in several key cases, raising questions about a potential shift.
Court Composition
- Roberts' shift is likely due to the changing court composition after Justice Kennedy's retirement.
- Without Kennedy, Roberts' consistent conservative alignment would make the court appear overly ideological.
Strategic Decisions
- Roberts' left-leaning decisions contain loopholes for future conservative rulings.
- In the abortion ruling, he voted with the liberals but signaled openness to reconsidering Roe v. Wade.