30 Facts About Chief Justice Roberts

Early Life and Education

John Glover Roberts Jr., the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, has a fascinating background that shaped his path to the Supreme Court.

1. Born on January 27, 1955, in Buffalo, New York, Roberts grew up in a small town called Long Beach, Indiana.
2. His father, John G. Roberts Sr., was an executive with Bethlehem Steel, while his mother, Rosemary, was a homemaker.
3. Roberts attended La Lumiere School, a Catholic boarding school in La Porte, Indiana, where he excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities.
4. He graduated as valedictorian from La Lumiere in 1973.
5. Roberts then attended Harvard College, where he majored in history and graduated summa cum laude in 1976.
6. He continued his education at Harvard Law School, earning his J.D. magna cum laude in 1979.

Early Career

Before becoming Chief Justice, Roberts had a distinguished career in both public service and private practice.

7. After law school, Roberts clerked for Judge Henry Friendly of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
8. He then clerked for Associate Justice William Rehnquist on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1980 to 1981.
9. Roberts worked in the U.S. Department of Justice as a Special Assistant to the Attorney General from 1981 to 1982.
10. He served as Associate Counsel to President Ronald Reagan from 1982 to 1986.
11. Roberts joined the law firm Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells) in 1986, where he became a partner and specialized in appellate litigation.
12. He argued 39 cases before the Supreme Court, winning 25 of them.

Judicial Appointments

Roberts' journey to the Supreme Court involved several key judicial appointments.

13. In 2001, President George W. Bush nominated Roberts to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
14. He was confirmed by the Senate in 2003 and served on the D.C. Circuit until 2005.
15. During his time on the D.C. Circuit, Roberts authored numerous opinions that showcased his judicial philosophy and legal acumen.
16. In 2005, President Bush nominated Roberts to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
17. Before his confirmation hearings began, Chief Justice William Rehnquist passed away, and Bush nominated Roberts for Chief Justice instead.
18. The Senate confirmed Roberts as Chief Justice on September 29, 2005, by a vote of 78-22.

Tenure as Chief Justice

Roberts' tenure as Chief Justice has been marked by significant decisions and a focus on maintaining the Court's institutional integrity.

19. He has presided over landmark cases such as National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, which upheld the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate.
20. Roberts has often been a swing vote in closely divided cases, sometimes siding with the Court's liberal justices.
21. He has emphasized the importance of judicial restraint and the principle of stare decisis, which means to stand by things decided.
22. Roberts has worked to protect the Court's reputation as an impartial and non-partisan institution.
23. He has been a strong advocate for the First Amendment, particularly in cases involving free speech and religious liberty.
24. Roberts has also played a crucial role in cases related to voting rights, campaign finance, and affirmative action.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Roberts has a rich personal life that provides insight into his character and values.

25. Roberts married Jane Sullivan in 1996, a fellow lawyer and a trustee of the College of the Holy Cross.
26. The couple has two adopted children, Jack and Josie.
27. Roberts is known for his love of history and often references historical events and figures in his opinions.
28. He is an avid fan of the Washington Nationals baseball team.
29. Roberts has a reputation for being personable and approachable, both on and off the bench.
30. Despite his high-profile position, Roberts maintains a relatively low public profile and values his privacy.

The Legacy of Chief Justice Roberts

Chief Justice John Roberts has left an undeniable mark on the U.S. Supreme Court. From his pivotal role in landmark decisions to his efforts in maintaining the Court's integrity, his influence is profound. Roberts' tenure showcases a blend of conservative principles with occasional surprising rulings that reflect a nuanced understanding of the law. His leadership style emphasizes consensus and stability, often striving to keep the Court above partisan fray. Whether you agree with all his decisions or not, Roberts' impact on American jurisprudence is significant. His legacy will be studied and debated for years, highlighting the complexities of leading the nation's highest court. Understanding these facts about Chief Justice Roberts offers a glimpse into the intricate world of the Supreme Court and its far-reaching implications on society.