Major Controversies Surrounding John Roberts: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving John Roberts.

John Roberts is the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, serving since 2005. Often described as a moderate conservative and an institutionalist, he is sometimes considered a swing vote on the Supreme Court. Roberts has presided over a notable shift towards conservative jurisprudence during his tenure, authoring several key opinions in significant cases before the court.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1965: The Voting Rights Act of 1965

As Chief Justice, Roberts has authored majority opinions in many landmark cases, including Shelby County v. Holder (limiting the Voting Rights Act of 1965).

2007: Morse v. Frederick

In 2007, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in Morse v. Frederick, ruling that a student in a public school-sponsored activity does not have the right to advocate drug use because the right to free speech does not prevent school discipline.

April 20, 2010: United States v. Stevens

On April 20, 2010, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in United States v. Stevens, striking down an animal cruelty law as an unconstitutional abridgment of the First Amendment right to freedom of speech.

March 2, 2011: Snyder v. Phelps

On March 2, 2011, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in Snyder v. Phelps, holding that speech on matters of public concern cannot be the basis of liability for emotional distress, even if offensive.

June 28, 2012: National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius

On June 28, 2012, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, upholding a key component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

2013: Shelby County v. Holder

In 2013, Roberts struck down voting rights protections provided by the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder, leading to changes in voting laws and polling place closures.

2013: Hollingsworth v. Perry

In 2013, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in Hollingsworth v. Perry, holding that petitioners lacked standing to sue, resulting in the resumption of same-sex marriages in California. He also dissented in United States v. Windsor regarding the Defense of Marriage Act.

June 26, 2018: Majority Opinion in Trump v. Hawaii

On June 26, 2018, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in Trump v. Hawaii, upholding the Trump administration's travel ban against seven nations.

November 2018: Response to Trump's "Obama Judge" Comment

In November 2018, Roberts rebuked President Trump's comment about an "Obama judge," stating that there are no "Obama judges or Trump judges."

July 9, 2020: Majority Opinion in Trump v. Vance

On July 9, 2020, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in Trump v. Vance, rejecting arguments for presidential immunity from criminal subpoenas.

October 2020: Rejection of appeal from Kim Davis

In October 2020, Roberts joined the justices in rejecting an appeal from Kim Davis, who refused to provide marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

2020: Increased voter registration purges

A 2020 study found that jurisdictions previously covered by preclearance substantially increased their voter registration purges after the Shelby County v. Holder ruling.

November 2021: Fulton v. City of Philadelphia and other cases

In November 2021, Roberts joined the unanimous decision in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, favoring a Catholic adoption agency. He also voted to reject an appeal from Mercy San Juan Medical Center, which sought to deny a hysterectomy to a transgender patient.

2022: Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization

In 2022, Roberts declined to join the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade. He wrote a concurring opinion supporting only the decision to uphold the Mississippi abortion statute.

June 29, 2023: Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina

On June 29, 2023, John Roberts wrote the majority opinion in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, holding that race-based affirmative action in both public and private universities violates the Equal Protection Clause.