Judges are like umpires. Umpires don’t make the rules, they apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules, but it is a limited role. Nobody ever went to a ball game to see the umpire.

– Chief Justice John Roberts, Confirmation Hearing Opening Statement

In a major league baseball game, you don’t expect the umpire to suggest a curveball to the pitcher and then tell the batter whether he should bunt or swing for the fences. As a player, you would probably feel it was not an umpire’s job, and you would certainly worry that not taking the umpire’s suggestion could affect the next call.