Congratulations to Justices Sullivan and Hawkins of the Supreme Court of Texas and Judge Taibleson of the Seventh Circuit.
The past few days have been quite enjoyable.
Last Thursday I found myself at a joint investiture at the Texas Supreme Court to welcome its two latest members. Justice James P. Sullivan took his oath before (Retired) Judge Tom Griffith. Griffith delivered a thought-provoking discussion on the value of the oath. He urged us to focus on the meaning of “help” in “So help me God.” His insights left us more learned.
Justice Kyle Hawkins was sworn in by Justice Samuel A. Alito. The Justice shared a humorous anecdote from Kyle’s tenure. Justice Alito circulated an opinion in a straightforward case that he expected would quickly gather nine votes. No such luck. Alito received a number of letters urging the removal of this portion, the addition of another, and revisions to still another. The assignment fell to Kyle to shepherd the revisions, and in the end the opinion satisfied all sides. (He did not reveal which case it pertained to, though I’m curious to know.)
Investitures for the Texas Supreme Court take place in the Texas House of Representatives chamber. The room was packed to capacity. Tributes were also paid to Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and Justice Jeff Boyd, who have recently retired from the court.
May I venture to declare that the Texas Supreme Court stands as the finest state high court in the land? The intellectual firepower housed within that Court is remarkable. I am eager to see the contributions Sullivan and Hawkins will bring in the years ahead.
After a brief layover in Austin, I headed to Chicago O’Hare and then drove to Milwaukee for Judge Rebecca Taibleson’s investiture to the Seventh Circuit. Over time, I have written about my close connection with Professor Michael Krauss at George Mason University. Krauss delivered remarks about his daughter that moved everyone to tears. Justice Kavanaugh also shared memories of a former law clerk of his. He recalled the exact moment he met Judge Taibleson in Yale Law School’s hallway, such a profound impression she left. The ceremony exuded warmth and joy, particularly cathartic after a unnecessarily arduous confirmation process. Yet as one observer noted, meritocracy indeed prevailed this time. Judge Taibleson is certain to make everyone proud.
I am proud to say that three of my former students will be clerking for these three jurists in the coming term.
The week grew even more enjoyable. On Wednesday I joined a legal retreat at my new think tank, the Manhattan Institute, followed by the Hamilton Dinner at Cipriani. Senator Ben Sasse was the honored guest for the evening. He truly serves as an inspiration.
And on Monday and Tuesday, I attended the Fifth Circuit Judicial Conference, which, thankfully, was held in Houston. If you’re wondering how I managed to be in so many places at once, the answer lies in a string of early-morning flights.
Somehow, amid all that travel, I produced what may be my most popular blog post ever. It became the talk of the town, and I’ve lost count of the calls, texts, and emails thanking me for voicing what needed to be said. You’re welcome for that public service. Perhaps I’ll give a TED Talk on the art of creating a viral post without relying on AI.
