Sandra Day O'Connor says criticism of Chief Justice John Roberts 'unfortunate'

By Mark Sherman

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, July 25 2012 9:03 a.m. MDT

Summary

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor says attacks on Chief Justice John Roberts over his key vote to uphold President Barack Obama's health care overhaul are "unfortunate."

WASHINGTON — Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor says attacks on Chief Justice John Roberts over his key vote to uphold President Barack Obama's health care overhaul are "unfortunate."

O'Connor said Wednesday at a Senate committee hearing that criticism of Roberts as a traitor to conservative ideals reflects a "lack of understanding" of the federal judiciary.

The 82-year-old former justice was responding to questions from Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

O'Connor has been promoting civics education since her retirement in 2006 and she testified about the value of educating American schoolchildren about how their government works.

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Go Big Blue!!!

Bountiful, UT

O'Connor's comment shows an unfortunate lack of understanding of the role to be played by the Supreme Court. It was Robert's duty to uphold the constitution not to use a back door approach to justify Obamacare. It is curious that the More..

9:29 a.m. July 25, 2012
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Blue

Salt Lake City, UT

BigBlue - do you ever consider the possibility that Justice Roberts, who is as conservative in his interpretation of the constitution as I think it is possible to be, actually _was_ the constitutional expert when he made his reasoned and carefully More..

10:07 a.m. July 25, 2012
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majmajor

Layton, UT

Robert's decision however painful was correct. The supreme court is not designed to save the American people from their political decisions. They ruled congress can tax. We have been taxed for medicare for years, I don't see a difference. More..

11:06 a.m. July 25, 2012
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