Scotusblog notes (here) that the orders list is up from the Long Conference. The Court granted cert. in several cases, and noted jurisdiction in one. The last case granted, Samson v. California, was in forma pauperis. I don't know whether Samson was proceeding pro se, but if he were, who would assign an advocate for him on the merits? Usually, it is the Chief's perrogative, but there is no Chief for another two days, so would Stevens do it, or would one of Roberts's first duties as the Chief Justice be to appoint one of his former colleagues at the Supreme Court Bar to this case?

Update: This question will remain moot at least until Justice Roberts retires, as Samson was represted by counsel.
posted by Ted at 9:32 AM