The Warren Court

The Warren Court • the Warren Court (1953-1969) is known for its decisions in the area of civil liberties and civil rights • revolutionized constitutional law and U.S. society • the number of civil liberties cases increased every year

• during the 1968 Richard Nixon ran for president criticizing the Court as being soft on criminal procedure and moving too fast on civil liberties

The Burger Court • Nixon appointed four justices—including naming Warren Burger as the chief justice • The Burger Court (1969-1986) is known as more conservative than the Warren court but not for a constitutional counterrevolution • many of the Warren Court precedents were upheld

• the Burger Court was characterized by pragmatism and compromise

The Rehnquist Court • the Rehnquist Court (1986-2005) has been successful in cementing conservative principles in the legal doctrine • a firm voting bloc of five justices (Rehnquist, Scalia, Thomas, Kennedy, O’Connor) decided a large number of cases • one observer characterized the era as a “clear break from a time when the Court was an engine of social change.” • interested in curbing federal power and leave most matters to the states

The Roberts Court • the Roberts Court (2005 -) is brand new • the addition of Roberts as chief justices and associate justice Samuel Alito (replacing Sandra Day O’Connor) brings additional ideologically conservative decisions • Roberts joined the Court with impeccable legal credentials, setting the bar high for the next nominee • Roberts is young – the impact of the Roberts Court will be felt for many years to come