Can you explain the 4 gold stripes on the sleeves of Chief Justice Rehnquist's judicial robe? Anchorage, Alaska - 7/31/00

Chief Justice William Rehnquist in his judicial robe

In a bit of acknowledged whimsy, Chief Justice William Rehnquist decided to personalize his judicial robe with 4 gold braid stripes on each sleeve about 5 years ago. All the other Supreme Court justices wear the traditional unadorned black judicial robes. The inspiration for the gold stripes came from the costume worn by a character in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, "Iolanthe," first staged in London in 1882.

The costume which inspired Chief Justice Rehnquist is worn by the Lord Chancellor, a character called upon to settle a dispute among a colony of fairies. Ironically, the story line has the Queen of the Fairies taking revenge by casting a spell on the hero, Strephon, which turns him into a Member of Parliament, and grants him the magical power to have any bill passed without opposition. This allows the fairies to take over Parliament.

In another bit of irony, given the subject matter of the impeachment trial now before the Senate, the Lord Chancellor sings a song which include these lyrics: