Childhood and Education Journey of John Roberts in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of John Roberts, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

January 27, 1955: John Roberts' Birth

On January 27, 1955, John Glover Roberts Jr. was born in Buffalo, New York. He would later become the 17th Chief Justice of the United States.

Others born on this day/year

1965: Family Moved to Long Beach, Indiana

In 1965, at the age of ten, John Roberts and his family moved to Long Beach, Indiana, where his father managed a steel plant.

1973: Graduation as Valedictorian

In 1973, John Roberts graduated as class valedictorian from La Lumiere School and became the first graduate of the school to enroll at Harvard University.

1976: Graduation from Harvard

In 1976, John Roberts obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in history, summa cum laude, from Harvard University and became a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

1979: Graduation from Harvard Law School

In 1979, John Roberts graduated at the top of his class with a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School.

1993: Seizure in 1993

In 1993, Roberts had suffered a seizure. A Supreme Court statement said that a neurological evaluation "revealed no cause for concern."

1994: Stephen Breyer's Supreme Court Nomination

In 1994, Stephen Breyer was nominated to the Supreme Court. Roberts' nomination in 2005 was the first since Breyer's.

July 27, 1996: Marriage to Jane Sullivan

On July 27, 1996, Roberts married Jane Sullivan in the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.

1999: Remarks on Federalism

In 1999, Roberts shared his views on federalism during a radio interview.

2002: Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

In 2002, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which limited political advertising, was passed. In 2007, Roberts found provisions of this act unconstitutional.

2003: McConnell v. FEC Decision

In 2003, the Supreme Court made the decision in McConnell v. FEC. In 2007, Roberts and Justice Alito declined to revisit this decision.

September 3, 2005: Death of Chief Justice Rehnquist

On September 3, 2005, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist died while Roberts's confirmation was pending before the Senate.

2007: Seizure at vacation home

In 2007, Roberts had a seizure at his vacation home in St. George, Maine, and stayed overnight at a hospital in Rockport, Maine; doctors found no identifiable cause.

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."

February 5, 2020: End of First Impeachment Trial of Donald Trump

On February 5, 2020, Roberts presided over the first impeachment trial of Donald Trump, which concluded on this date.

June 21, 2020: Fall at a Maryland country club

On June 21, 2020, Roberts fell at a Maryland country club, requiring sutures and an overnight hospital stay for observation. Doctors ruled out a seizure and believed dehydration had made Roberts light-headed.