Chief Justice Roberts: “If you’re citing Magna Carta” Then “You’re In Pretty Bad Shape”

November 6th, 2014

Pro tip from the Chief: Don’t cite Magna Carta.

“If you’re citing Magna Carta in a brief before the Supreme Court of the United States, or in an argument, you’re in pretty bad shape,” Chief Justice Roberts said. “We like our authorities a little more current.”

Also, don’t cite Marbury. Ever. While clerking I read so many (terrible) briefs that cited Marbury for the proposition that it is the duty of the courts to say what the law is. I emphatically urge people not to do this.