Meaning: This quote refers to a significant shift in the dynamics of the United States Supreme Court during the tenure of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. It highlights the traditional practice of the justices refraining from asking the attorney general any questions during proceedings to avoid causing embarrassment. However, Kennedy openly expressed his willingness to field questions from the justices, leading to a departure from the established norm.

To delve deeper into the context of this quote, it is essential to understand the role of the attorney general and the dynamics between the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government. The attorney general is the chief legal officer and top law enforcement official of the federal government. This position holds significant influence in advising the president and executive departments on legal matters and representing the United States in legal proceedings. As such, the attorney general often interacts with the judicial branch, particularly the Supreme Court, in matters of constitutional interpretation, legal disputes, and the administration of justice.

Historically, the relationship between the attorney general and the Supreme Court has been characterized by a degree of mutual respect and deference. The justices typically refrained from directly questioning the attorney general during oral arguments, partly out of courtesy and to avoid placing the attorney general in a potentially uncomfortable or compromising position. This traditional practice was rooted in the principles of collegiality and professional courtesy that govern interactions within the legal and judicial community.

However, the quote alludes to a departure from this tradition during the tenure of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who served from 1961 to 1964 under his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Robert Kennedy, known for his assertive and proactive approach to his role, signaled to the Supreme Court justices that he was open to fielding their questions during proceedings. This departure from the traditional practice signaled a shift in the dynamics of interaction between the executive and judicial branches.

The willingness of Attorney General Kennedy to engage in direct questioning by the justices reflected a broader evolution in the role and assertiveness of the executive branch in legal and constitutional matters. It also underscored the assertive and influential nature of Robert Kennedy's tenure as attorney general, during which he actively sought to shape legal and judicial processes in line with the administration's policy priorities.

Moreover, the quote captures the significance of this shift in the dynamics of the Supreme Court's interactions with the attorney general, highlighting the impact of individual personalities and approaches in shaping institutional norms and practices. By signaling his openness to questioning, Robert Kennedy challenged the longstanding convention and set a new precedent for the nature of interactions between the attorney general and the justices.

In conclusion, the quote by Judge Harold Greene reflects a pivotal moment in the history of the United States Supreme Court and the role of the attorney general. It signifies a departure from the traditional practice of refraining from questioning the attorney general and underscores the assertive approach of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy during his tenure. This departure from convention underscores the evolving dynamics between the executive and judicial branches and the impact of individual personalities in shaping institutional norms and practices within the U.S. government and legal system.