Political Quotes

On the recordMay 7, 2009
I do not believe that Supreme Court Justices are merely umpires calling balls and strikes.
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Durbin emphasizes the active role justices play in decision-making.

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 17, 2026

Nominations hearings, like this one today, are an essential part of the Senate’s role in providing advice and consent on presidential nominees. This constitutional duty is a critical check on the Executive Branch. And it has never been…

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

The Trump administration has not provided transparency into the use of federal funds for the East Wing project, and they have limited congressional oversight, meaningful public input, and adherence to established federal processes.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 24, 2026

“The highest court in the land shouldn’t have the lowest ethical standards. Public trust in the Supreme Court remains near historic lows, and every story of a luxury gift or questionable failure to recuse contributes to it. The American…

murphy.senate.gov
Aug 22, 2026

Today’s announcement means that we can see that growth sooner rather than later.

duckworth.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation