Chief justice compliments Sotomayor, Stevens

[June 12, 2010]  FARMINGTON, Pa. (AP) -- Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts praised the court's newest member, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and paid tribute to retiring Justice John Paul Stevens in the closing remarks of a judicial conference in a southwestern Pennsylvania resort.

Roberts says Sotomayor has brought a "fresh and lively perspective" to the court and has authored seven majority opinions in her short tenure.

Roberts honored Stevens, who turned 90 in April and will retire this summer after 34 years on the court.

Roberts says, "We will miss his wisdom and his Midwestern charm in our daily work."

Roberts' 17-minute speech closed the Judicial Conference of the District of Columbia Circuit at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, about 40 miles south of Pittsburgh.

[Associated Press; By JOE MANDAK]

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