Staff Reports
The Washington Post examined Chief Justice John Roberts’ status on the Supreme Court, concluding that his influence among his colleagues may be eroding.
As a result of Politico’s blockbuster scoop about a draft ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, Roberts’ authority and power may be eroding.
Strangely, the piece itself appears to contain another leak, this time from “conservatives close to the court” who, of course, requested anonymity. The individuals allegedly briefed media about private conversations between Roberts and his colleague jurists as early as early December.
As justices have had time to dissent and revise the leaked draft opinion, it is probably certainly obsolete. However, three conservatives close to the court said last week that the majority of five justices to strike Roe still intact.
Roberts reportedly told his fellow jurists in early December that he planned to maintain state law and draft an opinion that left Roe and Casey in place for now. But some conservatives wanted an opinion that broke with precedent, the source added. A court spokesman declined to comment, and messages sent to justices went unanswered.
To illustrate the point, the piece concerning the Chief Justice Roberts’ power on the Supreme Court includes a leak about Roberts secretly telling fellow justices he plans to leave Roe v. Wade in place for now.
This story was leaked amid bipartisan hand-wringing and finger-pointing from progressives and conservatives sure their political opponents were responsible. In reality, the leaker’s identity is unknown at this time. And it won’t be for a long time.
