The Funniest Justice, week 11: Hail to the Chief
During oral arguments Tuesday in the case Citizens United v. FEC, Justice John Paul Stevens asked attorney Ted Olson his view on a point of legal precedent.
“Do you think the Chief Justice’s opinion in that case correctly stated the law?” Stevens asked.
“Of course,” Olson said obediently, drawing laughter. “By definition.”
“Good answer,” deadpanned Justice Antonin Scalia, prompting more laughter.
That last laugh get helped Scalia maintain his six-laugh lead in his bid to be this term’s funniest justice. But with just nine oral argument days left in the term, Justice Stephen Breyer and Chief Justice John Roberts remain in the running, trailing Scalia by ten laughs or less.
Here are the laugh standings as of today:
Justice Antonin Scalia: 36
Justice Stephen Breyer: 30
Chief Justice John Roberts: 26
Justice David Souter: 11
Justice Anthony Kennedy: 10
Justice John Paul Stevens: 10
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: 4
Justice Samuel Alito: 2
Justice Clarence Thomas: 0 (Thomas hasn’t offered an oral argument question or comment since Feb. 22, 2006).
