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 considered by some to be a swing vote on the Supreme Court. His tenure has coincided with a shift towards conservative jurisprudence, with Roberts authoring several key opinions. Although considered moderate, he has been pivotal in decisions that have shaped the legal landscape of the US.

Sections (4)

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

1965: Work on the Voting Rights Act of 1965

In his role as an assistant to the attorney general, John Roberts concentrated on the scope of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, particularly Sections 2 and 5, which he and other Reagan lawyers believed unnecessarily intruded on state regulations.

June 27, 1990: Supreme Court decision in Metro Broadcasting, Inc. v. FCC

On June 27, 1990, the Supreme Court sided with the FCC in Metro Broadcasting, Inc. v. FCC, disagreeing with John Roberts' argument that racial preferences by the Federal Communications Commission were unconstitutional.

June 28, 2012: Wrote majority opinion in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius

On June 28, 2012, Roberts wrote the majority opinion in National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, which upheld a key component of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act by a 5–4 vote.

2013: Voted with majority in Shelby County v. Holder

In 2013, as chief justice, Roberts voted with the majority in the decision of Shelby County v. Holder, which struck down voting rights protections provided by the Voting Rights Act.

2016: Voted to uphold abortion restriction in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt

In 2016, Roberts voted to uphold the law in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, a case about abortion restrictions.

November 2018: Response to President Trump's comments on "Obama judge"

In November 2018, John Roberts responded to President Donald Trump's comment about an "Obama judge", stating that there are no Obama, Trump, Bush, or Clinton judges.

2018: Joined liberal justices in declining to hear Planned Parenthood case

In 2018, John Roberts and Justice Kavanaugh joined four more liberal justices in declining to hear a case brought by Louisiana and Kansas to deny Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. This action let stand lower court rulings in Planned Parenthood's favor.

2019: Joined liberal justices in blocking Louisiana abortion restriction

In 2019, Roberts joined with liberal justices in a 5–4 decision to temporarily block a Louisiana abortion restriction.

2020: Struck down Louisiana abortion law in June Medical Services, LLC v. Russo

In 2020, Roberts joined the majority in striking down a Louisiana abortion law in June Medical Services, LLC v. Russo. Though he disagreed with the precedent set in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt (2016), he cited stare decisis as his reason for joining the majority.

September 2021: Supreme Court declined to block Texas Heartbeat Act

In September 2021, the Supreme Court declined an emergency petition to temporarily block enforcement of the Texas Heartbeat Act, which bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy except to save the mother's life. Roberts was in the minority.

2022: Declined to join the majority opinion in 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.