I like hearing life stories, but Judge Alito went on a little long describing his before he finally got around to saying something about his view of the law and judges. I do agree with him that:
A judge can't have any agenda, a judge can't have any preferred outcome in any particular case and a judge certainly doesn't have a client.
The judge's only obligation -- and it's a solemn obligation -- is to the rule of law. And what that means is that in every single case, the judge has to do what the law requires.
Good judges develop certain habits of mind. One of those habits of mind is the habit of delaying reaching conclusions until everything has been considered.
But I'd like to hear a lot more. Hope the questioning brings it out.
