"Nobody wants a judge to be subject to the political whim of the moment"

This quote by Stephen Breyer stresses the importance of judicial independence. It suggests that judges ought to not be influenced by the existing political environment, but rather must make decisions based on the law and the realities of the case. This is important due to the fact that it guarantees that justice is served which the law is used relatively and objectively. It likewise ensures that the judiciary is not used as a tool of political gain, which could cause an absence of trust in the judicial system. Breyer's quote is a pointer that judges need to stay impartial and independent, and not be swayed by the political winds of the day.