[SLB]

If I remember from civics classes; the chief justice assigns associate justices to review various cases and also assigns who will author the opinions for decisions, both the concurring and dissenting. I for one do not want a Ginsberg or Souter assigning cases for review.

Roberts was a part of the Rehnquist circle of associates and knows how he went through the decision process in assigning cases. A Roberts court will probably mirror a Rehnquist court in most regards.

[ChronicMA]

The Chief only assigns the opinions when he is part of the majority. If he is dissenting, the senior justice in the majority assigns the opinions (a role that Stevens has often carried out, since he often is on opposite sides with Rehnquist).

[leadpenny]

And, he could easily be there for 30 years.

Oh, and the next time a dem is impeached, he'd get to wear five or six or more stripes on his robe.

[leadpenny]

" . . . and also assigns who will author the opinions for decisions, both the concurring and dissenting."

Stephen Henderson from "Knight-Ridder" is on C-SPAN Washington Journal and someone called in about the duties of the CJ. Henderson said what you said except when the CJ is in the minority. In that case the next senior justice gets to assign for the majority - "usually Stevens," he said.