Chief Justice John Roberts defends the Supreme Court — as people's confidence wavers

Chief Justice John Roberts said he's concerned about critics questioning the legitimacy of the Supreme Court. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP)

DENVER — Chief Justice John Roberts defended the authority of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution, saying its role should not be called into question just because people disagree with its decisions.

When asked to reflect on the last year at the court in his first public appearance since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Roberts said Friday he was concerned that lately some critics of the court's controversial decisions have questioned the legitimacy of the court, which he said was a mistake. He did not mention any specific cases or critics by name.