SCOTUSblog on camera: J. Harvie Wilkinson, III Part seven

The role courts can and should play in a tripartite system of government and a thousand answers.

In this eight-part interview, Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson, III, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit discusses his background, including: a race forCongress; clerking for Justice Lewis F. Powell, Jr., and the value of humility; the confirmation process and the life and work ofa federal appeals court judge; understanding the Court, interviewing its Justices and dispelling the mystery of the judiciary; theeffectiveness of the judicial power; and reflecting on the rewards of a long life of public service.

I think when judges sit on the bench this applies at all levels we dont really think about ourselves as conservative or liberal. Those are labelsthat people apply to us. And . . . I understand why they do because you have to use short-hand. But, the interesting thing is, I dont think most judgesconceive of themselves as conservative or liberal. We think of ourselves as judges first and foremost and that the judicial calling is such an honorablecalling. And when we get on the bench, you know, youre just so focused on that one case. I mean, you dont think, Is this a conservative result? or Isthis a liberal result or Which way is the law as a whole moving? Youre just thinking about those people before you and how much the case means tothem. And our mindset when we go on the bench is, this case is a universe unto itself.