There is a very steep learning curve, even for someone as versed in constitutional law as Roberts is.

So much of where the justices go in terms of terrorism, law enforcement, even abortion, a range of issues will depend on the court's composition in coming years.

It sounds great from an institutional standpoint. Maybe the Court could do a better job of persuasion. But it won't come overnight. If Roberts leads by example and writes clearly and talks to his colleagues, it may happen.

This court likes taking on hot button issues, with abortion as an exception,

The conference itself is not a place of debate, ... They don't engage across the conference table.

If he ever thought about putting forward a hard-nosed conservative, in the wake of Katrina and the negative publicity he's received, this is not the time to pick a political fight.