And yet, while the statements of Justices during oral arguments are not always perfect predictors of how they will vote, there was clearly a great deal of bipartisan sympathy on display for this appalling former public servant.
In modern terms, most Justices have adhered to the 1958 statement of Chief Justice Warren that the proper test measures "evolving standards of decency".
"We're very encouraged by the statement of the justice minister," he said.
In Washington, he had initially faced a second round of charges for allegedly failing to register as an agent of a foreign government, making false statements, obstruction of justice and conspiracy to launder money.
Brennan delivered the joint statement of four justices: Marshall, White, Blackmun and himself.
The soldiers, Staff Sgt. Hal M. Warner and First Lt. Michael C. Behenna, were charged with pre-meditated murder, assault, making a false statement and obstruction of justice.
Lewis Scooter Libbyby, the chief of staff to the vice-president, Dick Cheney, was indicted for perjury, making false statements, and obstruction of justice.
He went as far as to draft a preliminary indictment of the First Lady for crimes relating to false statements and obstruction of justice.
Jones is serving a three-and-a-half-year sentence for bank fraud, money laundering, making false statements, and obstruction of justice.
Libby, who was indicted on October 28th for perjury, making false statements, and obstruction of justice, may call Miller and other journalists as witnesses.
