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John Roberts

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description John Roberts Overview

John G. Roberts Jr. is the 17th Chief Justice of the United States, appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed in 2005 at the age of 50, making him among the youngest chief justices in American history.

Educated at Harvard College and Harvard Law School, Roberts previously served in the Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations and argued cases before the Supreme Court as a private appellate lawyer. Notable decisions during his tenure include his majority opinion upholding the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act in NFIB v.

Sebelius (2012).

help John Roberts FAQ

When did John Roberts become Chief Justice of the United States?

John G. Roberts Jr. took the constitutional and judicial oaths as the 17th Chief Justice on September 29, 2005. President George W. Bush nominated him, and the Senate confirmed him at age 50.

What was John Roberts doing before joining the Supreme Court?

Roberts worked as an appellate lawyer and served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Earlier, he clerked for Chief Justice William Rehnquist during the 1980 term.

What does John Roberts do as Chief Justice besides deciding cases?

He presides over Supreme Court proceedings and serves as the administrative head of the federal judiciary. He also chairs the Judicial Conference of the United States.

What was John Roberts's role in the 2012 Affordable Care Act case?

In National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, decided in 2012, Roberts wrote the controlling opinion upholding the individual mandate under Congress's taxing power. The decision preserved most of the Affordable Care Act.