The law is their religion. That's where they place their faith. Their piousness may be imperfect -- they are human, after all. But true devotion is worth striving for.
The robe helps to ward off hubris and self-importance. Indeed, wouldn't we be perturbed if a justice decided that a little rhinestone trim along the sleeves would be quite nice? Or what if a justice decided that a mink collar would be quite lovely in the winter?
"The robes acknowledge that the justices have shed distractions in favor of objectivity, fairness and a common, high-minded purpose."
Opines WaPo fashion critic Robin Givhan:
