US Supreme Court Chief Justice Speaks Out After Abortion Ruling: "Disagreement Should Not Undermine Court's Legitimacy"

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[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] John Roberts, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, made his first public remarks related to the Court's abortion ruling since late June, emphasizing the legitimacy of the Supreme Court, Bloomberg reported on the 10th (local time).

At a judicial conference held the previous day in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chief Justice Roberts expressed strong concern over the attacks on the Supreme Court following the abortion ruling, stating, "The Court has always ruled on controversial issues, and such decisions have always been subject to strong criticism." He added, "Such criticism is entirely appropriate, and people can say what they want, but disagreeing with the Court's views is not grounds to question the Court's legitimacy." He further noted, "If the Supreme Court does not maintain its legitimate function of interpreting the Constitution, I don't know who else would bear that responsibility."

Earlier, in late June, the Supreme Court officially overturned the 'Roe v. Wade' decision, which legalized abortion up to six months of pregnancy. Prior to that, in May, a draft opinion containing this content was unusually leaked. This ruling sparked nationwide protests, and some opponents held demonstrations in front of Chief Justice Roberts' and some justices' homes, leading to increased security measures in the area. Chief Justice Roberts also mentioned that seeing the barricades in front of the Supreme Court every morning on his way to work was painful.

Meanwhile, among the nine current U.S. Supreme Court justices, six, including Chief Justice Roberts, are conservative, creating a distinctly conservative atmosphere within the Court. This is due to former President Donald Trump appointing three conservative justices consecutively during his tenure.

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