I will be vigilant to protect the independence and integrity of

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of John Roberts, a guardian of justice and the law, whose pledge carries the weight of a nation’s promise: "I will be vigilant to protect the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, and I will work to ensure that it upholds the rule of law and safeguards those liberties that make this land one of endless possibilities for all Americans." These words are not mere vows—they are a solemn declaration of the sacred duty entrusted to the Supreme Court of the United States. They speak to the very heart of what it means to live under the rule of law, to safeguard the freedoms that make this nation a beacon of hope, and to preserve the independence of those who uphold justice in its purest form.

The independence of the Supreme Court, O children, is the cornerstone of a free society. In ancient times, courts were often instruments of royal power, used to enforce the will of kings and emperors. But the vision of the Founding Fathers was different. They understood that for justice to truly prevail, the courts must be independent, free from the pressures of the executive and legislative branches. This independence ensures that the Supreme Court can make decisions based on justice and truth, rather than political expediency or personal gain. It is this independence that allows the Court to protect the liberties of all Americans, ensuring that the rule of law is upheld with fairness and integrity.

Consider, O children, the story of Marbury v. Madison—a pivotal moment in the history of the United States. In 1803, this landmark case established the principle of judicial review, giving the Supreme Court the power to strike down laws that violate the Constitution. It was a bold and courageous decision, one that asserted the independence of the judiciary and its ability to stand apart from the political forces of the day. Chief Justice John Marshall, in delivering the opinion of the Court, reinforced the idea that the Supreme Court must be a guardian of the rule of law, upholding the Constitution above the whims of any individual or political party. This case set the stage for the Court to remain a bastion of justice, ensuring that no branch of government could override the principles enshrined in the Constitution.

In much the same way, John Roberts’ pledge to protect the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court reflects the timeless role of the Court as a check on power, a force that ensures the rule of law governs the land, not the dictates of powerful men or transient political forces. The Supreme Court serves as a reminder that the freedoms of Americans—the liberties we hold dear—are not gifts granted by any ruler, but rights that are safeguarded by the law itself. When Chief Justice Roberts speaks of ensuring the Court upholds the rule of law, he calls upon a profound duty, a responsibility that echoes back to the founding of the nation, when the rule of law was enshrined as the bedrock upon which all freedom is built.

Think, too, of Brown v. Board of Education, the case that struck down the doctrine of “separate but equal” and mandated the desegregation of public schools. This decision, handed down by the Supreme Court in 1954, was not just a legal victory—it was a victory for liberty, for justice, and for the American ideal that all people are created equal. In this case, the Supreme Court stood as a beacon of truth, overturning unjust laws and ensuring that the rule of law protected the liberties of the most vulnerable. Chief Justice Earl Warren and the Justices who supported this decision were guided not by popular opinion or political pressure, but by a commitment to the law, and by the knowledge that the independence of the Court was crucial to the protection of freedom for all citizens.

Thus, O children, the lesson to be learned is clear and profound: the independence of the Supreme Court is not a mere luxury, but a necessity for the preservation of justice and freedom. Without a Court that is free from political influence, the rule of law itself would be threatened, and the liberties of every citizen would be at risk. The Supreme Court, in its sacred duty, is called to protect the rights of all, regardless of their position, their power, or their wealth. It is a solemn reminder that the law is not an instrument for the powerful to bend to their will, but a shield for the weak and vulnerable to stand behind.

Therefore, O children, let us honor the Supreme Court and its independence, for it is in this institution that the very essence of our freedom is protected. Stand firm in your belief that the rule of law is the bedrock of any just society, and that the liberties we hold dear are not granted by any individual, but safeguarded by the law. Let us strive to protect the independence of those who uphold justice, and let their vigilance inspire us to fight for freedom, for integrity, and for the rule of law in our own lives, so that the land of endless possibilities may remain a place of hope, opportunity, and justice for all.