Final answer:
The judges were surprised by the winner of the design competition in 'Always to Remember' due to the unexpected and controversial outcome that prompted widespread media attention and debates over the principles and partiality of the decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the book 'Always to Remember', the judges of the design competition were surprised by the winner because the outcome was unexpected and controversial, evoking both media attention and public discourse. The decision to choose the winning design sparked debate with some defending it as a choice made on principled legal considerations, while others criticized it as legally weak and politically biased. The dissenting voice of Justice Stevens highlights the gravity of the situation, as it implies that while the competition's results may remain uncertain, the real loss was the public's confidence in the judiciary's impartiality and the rule of law.