Delaware Chief Justice Emphasizes Independence, Like His Father

Delaware Supreme Court Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz Jr. learned about the power of an independent judiciary at his childhood dinner table, decades before hearing appeals from powerful CEOs and majority shareholders.

That’s where Seitz Jr.’s father recounted how he defied 1950s public opinion with decisions ordering integration for Delaware public schools. Those Chancery Court rulings still form the root of Delaware judges’ willingness to take a long-term view even when that’s unpopular, the chief justice said in an interview.

“When you have these superstar CEO cases and you have controversial decisions coming out, the independence of the judiciary is ...