I believe he went somewhat beyond the usual practice of answering just as many questions as he had to in order to be confirmed.
Judge Roberts, in your confirmation hearing for the circuit court, your testimony read to this effect, and it's been widely quoted: Roe is the settled law of the land. Do you mean settled for you, settled only for your capacity as a circuit judge, or settled beyond that?
We all have a responsibility to ask probing questions to determine qualification beyond academic and professional standing.