Those who study the court say the current justices are perhaps the most learned ever about the law, but the observers wonder whether they are the most disconnected from what Obama might call “real-life” experiences. And lately, folks have been making lists of things the current justices lack.

They spend much of their time on the intricacies of criminal sentencing, but once Souter leaves, none will have served on a state court. They endlessly debate Congress’s intent and the nuances of legislation, but none has ever been a legislator. They define the contours of campaign contributions and the role of special interests, but none has ever run for public office.