Capital City Constitutional Day Gala Presented by Verizon

An Initiative of the Constitutional Sources Project

Herndon High Political Science students Ashley and Ismita meet former Solicitor General Paul Clement (l) and Walter Dellinger at the Library of Congress.

Ashley ordered the beef.  Ismita went vegetarian on us.

Ashley-  You two have argued cases before many different Supreme Court Justices. Would you say there is one justice that is more intimidating than others?  Mr. Dellinger- "Definitely Justice Roberts. He isn't like the others.  He asks you questions you don't expect."  Mr. Clement- "I'd have to go with Roberts too. He knows the right things to ask to make you nervous."

Ismita- I understand that both of you have argued a substantial number of cases to the Supreme Court. Does the thrill of this privilege ever go away?  Mr. Dellinger- "The day the thrill goes away will be the day I die."  Mr. Clement- "It will never become dull because each case is completely different. You are never in control because the justices preside over the cases.  You are basically surprised each time."

Many thanks to Mrs. Totoro for joining us.