1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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