Chief Justice John Roberts was confirmed to the Supreme Court in 2004 with promises that he would act with judicial restraint. Under his guidance, the Roberts court has been one of the most activist courts in Supreme Court history. It has not hesitated to overturn long-standing precedents related to voting rights, abortion, and more. It has created new theories of law, such as the major questions doctrine, to hinder policies conservative justices oppose. And it has expanded presidential power—and immunity—beyond anything the founders could have imagined. This trend will likely continue into this term as the court considers cases that could further diminish the Voting Rights Act, seek to prohibit bans on conversion therapy, and continue to address the Trump administration’s efforts to remake the nation without congressional approval.
Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event that will dive into 20 years of the Roberts court and the upcoming Supreme Court term.