Law Matters: Reflections of Chief Justice Michael
A. Wolff
Law Day Celebrates Our Enduring Values
Discussion Questions
- Do you agree with Hamilton’s statement that the
judiciary is the least dangerous to our political rights (think of the rights
guaranteed in the Bill of Rights)? Why or why not?
- Judge Wolff writes: The challenge for those who
serve as judges in Missouri's courts is to remain accountable first and
foremost to the law. The popular will is not always served, but the rights of
individuals to justice and liberty are. Why is it essential that judges
are accountable to the law and not the will of the people? How is their role
different from that of legislators who are first and foremost accountable to
the will of the people? Which branch of government traditionally has upheld
the rights of individuals rather than the will of the popular
majority—executive, legislative or judicial?
- What does Judge Wolff mean when he says the courts have
proved themselves to be “self-correcting” over time?
- Supreme Court judges—both Missouri and United States—are
not elected. How does the fact they are not elected insure everyone’s
political rights? How does the fact that these judges do not have to raise
money for elections make for a more independent judiciary?