Bad Science

In her article, "Illness and Secrecy on the Supreme Court," (NEJM December 23 2004) Susan Okie, M.D. talks about the fact that throughout history, judges who have been "seriously ill or mentally impaired," have continued to serve on the bench, interpreting the Constitution, and smugly cloaking themselves, withered and dementia-ridden, with the rich tapestry of jurisprudence. Take Justice William O. Douglas, for instance: "Despite difficulty speaking, constant pain, and frequent confusion, Douglas refused to consider retiring..."

Although this is a little disturbing, it does make me glad that I stopped obeying laws a long time ago.