National Jurist - September 2007 - (Page 28)

The Supreme Court: an insider’s view Jon Peters, our student editor, was mesmerized after spending a summer inside the Supreme Court — working, eating and bumping into Justices. “Third floor, please,” I say to the elevator operator, leaning against the white-oak wall. “Sure thing.” She punches a button and the box lurches a bit, then glides upward. Meanwhile, I’m rifling through an armful of papers and press By Jon Peters kits, trying to find the packet labeled, “Investiture of Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.” It contains the chronology of his swearing-in ceremony and the so-called tick-tock that tells me where to be and when to be there. Found his biography…the law clerk list…the media advisory…damn, I know the rest is here somewhere… The elevator doors swing open and out I go, my head down, bounding across the brass threshold and straight into someone wearing a charcoal suit, his single-breasted jacket buttoned at the waist, concealing part of a crimson tie. His glasses are small and square, and his hair is dark brown, parted on the left. Justice Alito. “I’m sorry…I was trying to find something in, um, my stack of papers about…well…you.” I inhaled deeply and felt my face contort to a cringe. “It’s alright,” he responds. “Nice to meet you.” “You, too.” Didn’t one of my professors mention that first impressions mean everything? “Time to go,” he says and disappears around the corner, heading with family members in tow to the Justices’ Dining Room, where my co-workers from the Public Information Office (PIO) had organized a photo opportunity. After collecting my thoughts and taking at least several seconds to be thoroughly embarrassed, I resume the search for my much-needed papers. Which, naturally, are clipped to the inside cover of the binder I’m carrying. Yes, clipped. So they would stand out from the rest of my stuff. Good call, Jon. eral understanding of the institution. My internship there spanned roughly four months – January 2006 to April 2006 – and offered me a birds-eye view of the judicial process and its many pinstriped principals. Internally, PIO officials advise the Robes on public remarks and appearances, at the pleasure of each chamber; help synchronize special functions; produce the employee biweekly newsletter; work with other Court officials to prepare for any justice’s testimony before Congress; and maintain copies of briefs, opinions, order lists and conference lists for the public and press. In addition, the Public Information Officer serves as the spokesperson and the Court’s authoritative voice on matters other than the interpretation of orders and opinions, which the justices believe should speak for themselves. (Mind you, I’m offering only a thumbnail sketch of my responsibilities and those of the senior officials, neither exhaustive nor limiting in scope.) Externally, PIO officials have to field dozens of daily inquires, both by phone and in person. I spoke with teachers and students saddled by research projects, journalists who needed guidance, Congressional aides demanding this or that for their bosses, and the occasional critic, calling to voice his or her disenchantment with the law. What’s more, most of the Court’s public mail comes to PIO, and there’s a ton of it, hundreds of pieces per month. Inmates requesting copies of opinions. Eagle Scout announcements. Autograph solicitations. Fan mail. Hate mail. Everything between. Indeed, a tour-de-force of American letters. Combine the internal and external duties, and even the slower days can be overwhelming. I once had to place a Congressional aide on hold to answer a call The Job Unlike elected officials, the justices do not have a traditional constituency, and thus conduct their business differently from the other branches. They rarely grant interviews and do not discuss pending cases or issues likely to come before the Court. That said, the general public must be informed of opinions and orders, to help facilitate the rule of law. Enter: PIO, responsible for stewarding competent news coverage and gen28 THE NATIONAL JURIST September 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of National Jurist - September 2007

National Jurist - September 2007 Contents Free Speech Disturbing the Peace For the Record Judge Approves $49 million BAR/BRI Settlement Law School Causes Emotional Stress, Study Finds New Textbook Breaks the Mold Southern Illinois Settles Lawsuit with Christian Legal Society Ave Maria Law Professors Protest School’s Move The Firm Report Student Hoax Shuts Down Hastings Law NCCU Grad Expands Her Program for Troubled Kids Hawaii Grad Finds Excitement in Saving Whales Diversity Hampering Whittier Accreditation? The Paper Chase Chronicles The Supreme Court: An Insider’s View Detroit Mercy’s Innovative Changes Pay Off Career Hotline The J.D. Files

National Jurist - September 2007

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