Court Opinion

ID: 9757178
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-28 22:22:30.913876+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:28:35.611320
License: Public Domain

Chief Justice ZAPPALA,
concurring.
I join Justice Newman’s opinion. I write separately to address my grave concern that the filing of an opinion that expresses itself in rhyme reflects poorly on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. While one may disagree intellectually with another’s judicial philosophy, and the exchange of differing views is at the very core of a jurist’s function, it is the substance of our views that should be the focus of discussion. The gravity of differing judicial views is diminished when the focus is taken away from their substance because of the form in which they are presented. I believe the integrity of this institution depends in great part upon the understanding that we engage in careful, deliberate and serious analysis of the legal issues that we undertake to examine. The integrity of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania should never be placed in jeopardy by actions that would alter the perception of those whose lives and interests are affected by the decisions of the Court.
It is of little import whether the issue before the Court involves the decision to impose the death penalty on an individual, the economic interests of individuals or businesses, or the effect of divorce actions in Pennsylvania. Each issue addressed by this Court commands our thorough, weighty consideration. No matter addressed by this Court is frivolous.
The dignity of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and the deserved respect that has been hard-earned, should not be diminished. I feel strongly that the expression of opinions issued by the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should reflect the gravity of our constitutional responsibility to our citizens. Our oath of office demands nothing less.