When The Legal Intelligencer asked me to address how Pennsylvania’s judiciary has changed over the years for the paper’s 170th anniversary, I first wondered exactly how old they think I am. More seriously, before referencing the judiciary, let me say a word about The Legal. I cannot speak to the importance of the publication to prior generations, but I know it has provided important service to the bench and bar in our times. I say this even though there have been instances where an article reminds me of what Phillies Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt once said about the local sports media: One experiences the thrill of victory followed by the agony of reading about it the next day.
Nonetheless, I accepted the invitation because I saw the opportunity to highlight the extraordinary role of the judiciary as a canvas that reflects significant political and social developments in Pennsylvania’s history. Several moments in my tenure as chief justice stand out to connect today’s court with the court of the past. I will mention two.
