[Don'tMessWithTexas]

You are correct. A justice does not merely cast a vote. They are not legislators. He/She is expected to write opinions. That requires skill and intellect.

It is difficult enough to articulate a coherent opinion in a First Amendment case. Try articulating an opinion on an anti-trust case or one involving the applicability of provisions of ERISA or a trade agreement.

Skill as a managing partner of a law firm does not translate into skill as a jurist who is expected to circulate an opinion that gets the approval of four other justices.

[sinkspur]

He/She is expected to write opinions

Clarence Thomas has written two or three opinions in 14 years. Not very distinguished, huh?

It is difficult enough to articulate a coherent opinion in a First Amendment case. Try articulating an opinion on an anti-trust case or one involving the applicability of provisions of ERISA or a trade agreement.

I suspect a corporate lawyer like Miers is imminently more qualified to write these business opinions than some ivory tower nerd like Stephen Breyer or Anthony Kennedy.

[itsahoot]

He/She is expected to write opinions. That requires skill and intellect.

Not to disagree, but clerks probably do most of the writing, in some cases all of it.<(•¿•)>