Roberts Court

The phrase Roberts Court refers to the era during which John G Roberts, Jr., has served as chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Roberts Court began with the October 2005 term and continues to the present day.

Following the completion of the October 2004 term, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement. At that time, President George W. Bush nominated Judge John Roberts to take her place. However, before Roberts's confirmation hearings could begin, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died. The president then withdrew Roberts's nomination for Justice O'Connor's seat and nominated Roberts for chief justice. Justice O'Connor remained on the Court until January 2006, when she was replaced by Justice Samuel Alito.

While the short tenure of the Roberts Court makes it difficult to ...