Quote

I was a chief justice. And before that, I was a district court judge, handled major felonies, including capital murder cases; and I handled major civil litigation.

What a profound privilege to go from one who took the oath from a judge to one who now is in the position to administer the oath as a judge.

In my first week as a U.S. senator, I had the privilege of participating in the Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

I love being a judge, and I anticipate being a judge for the rest of my life.

I'm glad I made the decision, although the practice of law - and particularly serving as a federal judge - was a part of my life that I really enjoyed and treasured and look back on it with fondness.

I loved being a judge, and sometimes I miss the power of the gavel, but this is a lot more fun.

Fortunately, the courts discharged me every time after they understood what I had done.

I was the United States Attorney for Maine for three years, and then was appointed a federal judge.