Problem 1: Do you think there is a conflict of interest in this case? Why or why not?
Problem 2: Psychological studies indicate that people have an easy time understanding how conflicts of interest may sway the decisions of other people, but often have great difficulty perceiving that similar conflicts might prejudice their own decisions. Is there evidence of this in the case of Cheney v. U.S. District Court? Briefly explain.
Problem 3: Do you think it would be easy to rule against a friend or a former employer in a high-stakes case? Does this create a conflict of interest between a judge's natural motivation and the duty to render justice impartially? Why or why not?
Problem 4: What do you think would have been the most ethically defensible action for Justice Scalia to take? Explain your reasoning.
Problem 5: What is your reaction to the following passage by professors Max Bazerman and Anne Tenbrunsel commenting upon Justice Scalia's opinion in this case: "Scalia's comments [on conflict of interest] indicate that he rejects or is unaware of the unambiguous evidence on the psychological aspects of conflicts of interest. Even more troubling than this lack of understanding are the Supreme Court's rules which, like most guidelines