Context: Both previous speakers tried to begin with the merits of the case rather than the judicial standing, and were both rather comedically shot down. General Verrilli is the third speaker.

General Verrilli: Mr. Chief Justice, and may it please the Court: Proposition 8 denies gay and lesbian persons the equal protection of the laws –

Chief Justice Roberts: You don’t think you’re going to get away with not starting with the jurisdictional question, do you?

(Laughter.)