Chief Justice Roberts reflects on ideals in Declaration of Independence in end-of-year report

Chief Justice John Roberts on Wednesday avoided commenting on the Supreme Court's emergency docket in his end-of-the-year report, reflecting instead on the Declaration of Independence as the United States prepares to turn 250-years-old.

Roberts used his last two year-end reports to warn about the dangers of artificial intelligence and intimidating judges. But this year, when the high court ruled on many emergency appeals from the Trump administration, Roberts avoided current events to highlight the progress the U.S. has made in fulfilling the Founding Fathers' vision for the country. 

The chief justice emphasized his branch's responsibility in helping achieve the vision that was laid out in the Declaration, and mentioned key moments in American history where the vision was advanced, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the passage of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.

“These national accomplishments illustrate that the responsibilities for living up to the promises of the Declaration rest on all three branches of our government as well as on each successive generation of Americans,” Roberts wrote in his 13-page report.

“Those of us in the Third Branch must continue to decide the cases before us according to our oath, doing equal right to the poor and to the rich, and performing all of our duties faithfully and impartially under the Constitution and laws of the United States,” he added.

Roberts also recommended federal courts recall former President Calvin Coolidge’s remarks on the 150th anniversary of the U.S. when he told judges they could turn to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution for solace, which would “remain firm and unshaken” amid partisan politics.

“True then; true now,” Roberts said before concluding with his appreciation for all judges and court employees in the judicial branch. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.