At Impeachment Trial, Chief Justice Roberts May Have More Prestige Than Power

When the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump opens, the man in the center chair will be Chief Justice John Roberts. His role is spelled out in the Constitution.

It says that the chief justice "shall preside" over the Senate trial of a president. Those who envision a powerful role for Chief Justice Roberts point to Senate rules that would allow him to make decisions on "all questions of evidence." In theory, at least, that might enable Roberts to rule on motions from the House managers seeking to compel testimony...