Chief Justice Roberts visits Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts made a surprise visit to Saratoga Springs on Friday where he joined Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg for the conclusion of a three-day conference hosted by the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, at the City Center.

Several hundred attorneys and judges of the Manhattan-based Second Circuit, which encompasses New York, Vermont and Connecticut, were on hand for the gathering along with federal district judges.

The invitation-only, educational event’s theme was “The Administrative State: Past, Present and Future,” which dealt with the increased role of bureaucracy in government.

Media coverage was limited, although Saratoga Springs attorney Matthew J. Jones, past Saratoga County Bar Association president, talked about the justices’ insightful, thought-provoking and

entertaining panel discussion about the court, their careers and various cases.

Robert has been chief justice since Sept. 29, 2005, following his nomination by President George W. Bush. Ginsburg, nominated by President Bill Clinton, has been on the court since 1993.

“The overall impression of both of them was you know they didn’t get there by accident,” Jones said. “There’s superior intellect, work ethic and a range of other skills and talent they have that got them to where they are. But they also have an ability to command and keep an audience. They’re both very funny, very witty and understand the importance of a large audience in front of them and how they appear, although their formal role has nothing to do with audiences or pleasing any audience.”

“As they describe it, they are the passive branch of government,” he said. “They have no function until a case or controversy comes before them. Only at that point do they take a role in the government.”

Jones, a past state Bar Association vice president who has practiced law for 39 years, said it was his first time meeting a Supreme Court justice. For two members, including the chief justice, to visit Saratoga Springs together is “a great thing” for the city, he said. “It’s quite an honor.”