John Roberts sworn in as US Chief Justice

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USA TODAY

John Roberts, a well-regarded legal insider who has said his passion for the law transcends his personal ideology, was sworn in Thursday as the nation's 17th chief justice and the youngest in 204 years.

Roberts, 50, took his oath from Justice John Paul Stevens, the Supreme Court's senior member, at the White House hours after being confirmed by the Senate, 78-22. Roberts succeeds the late William Rehnquist, for whom he once clerked.

"The Senate has confirmed a man with an astute mind and kind heart," President Bush said. "All Americans can be confident that the 17th chief justice of the United States will be prudent in exercising judicial power, firm in defending judicial independence and above all a faithful guardian of the Constitution."

Half the Senate's 44 Democrats and Sen. Jim Jeffords, an independent, joined all 55 Senate Republicans to vote for confirmation. Roberts called the vote "confirmation of what is for me a bedrock principle that judging is different from politics."

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michael mccafferty comments:

Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court John Roberts is a very remarkable and outstanding man who will bring great honor and integrity to the court.

I believe his appointment by President George W. Bush says volumes about the vision and leadership of The President.

Let us hope that Chief Justice Roberts has many many years ahead of him as Chief Justice.

God bless Chief Justice Roberts.