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Chief Justice Ain't Got a Bob Dylan Quote

Roberts almost cites singer correctly in dissenting decision

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Jun 29, 2008 4:22 PM CDT
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(Newser) – A Supreme Court decision was livened up this week by a quote from 1960s thinker, Robert Dylan—known to his fans as Bob. Regarding a stand-off between phone companies, Chief Justice John Roberts quoted, "When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose," from Bob Dylan's 1965 hit Like a Rolling Stone. But Roberts left out a word that most Dylan fans remember, the New York Times reports.

“When you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose," is Dylan's line, although websites often omit the flavorful "ain't." Roberts' misquote remains a historic first use of rock lyrics in a Supreme Court decision, one expert said. Lower courts have cited singers before: Dylan is tops with 26 citations, followed by Paul Simon with eight, and Bruce Springsteen with five.

In this March 3, 2006 file photo, members of the Supreme Court pose for a photo at the Supreme Court' Supreme Building in Washington.
In this March 3, 2006 file photo, members of the Supreme Court pose for a photo at the Supreme Court' Supreme Building in Washington.   (Associated Press)
Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts addresses a a full house in the University Theatre on The University of Montana campus in Missoula, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007.
Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts addresses a a full house in the University Theatre on The University of Montana campus in Missoula, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007.   (Associated Press)
Judge Bruce Selya introduces John G. Roberts, Jr., right, before he makes remarks at the opening celebration of the Centennial of the U.S. Courthouse.
Judge Bruce Selya introduces John G. Roberts, Jr., right, before he makes remarks at the opening celebration of the Centennial of the U.S. Courthouse.   (Associated Press)
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts smiles as he is introduced before speaking in this file photo.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts smiles as he is introduced before speaking in this file photo.   (Associated Press)
In this Monday, July 16, 2007, file photo John G. Roberts Jr. listens to the president of the Council in Paris.
In this Monday, July 16, 2007, file photo John G. Roberts Jr. listens to the president of the Council in Paris.   (Associated Press)
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John Roberts • Bob Dylan • pop music • US Supreme Court • rock music

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