The Chief : the life and turbulent times of Chief Justice John Roberts

An incisive biography of the Supreme Court's enigmatic Chief Justice, taking us inside the momentous legal decisions of his tenure so far John Roberts was named to the Supreme Court in 2005 claiming he would act as a neutral umpire in deciding cases. His critics argue he has been anything but, pointing to his conservative victories on voting rights and campaign finance. Yet he broke from orthodoxy in his decision to preserve Obamacare. How are we to understand the motives of the most powerful judge in the land' In The Chief, award-winning journalist Joan Biskupic contends that Roberts is torn between two, often divergent, priorities: to carry out a conservative agenda, and to protect the Court's image and his place in history. Biskupic shows how Roberts's dual commitments have fostered distrust among his colleagues, with major consequences for the law. Trenchant and authoritative, The Chief reveals the making of a justice and the drama on this nation's highest court.;From Lancashire to Wonder Street -- The education of John Roberts -- Hearing the call -- "May it please the court" -- The stand out -- The right place -- Blacks, whites, and Brown -- Fusion of ideology and politics -- A switch in time -- Roberts and race : "the nation is no longer divided along those lines" -- Control on a divided court -- An open seat in an election year -- Roberts Court in the Trump era. "John Roberts was named to the Supreme Court in 2005, vowing to decide cases as a neutral umpire. In the almost fifteen years since, he has frequently appeared to break that promise, handing down one conservative victory after another--on voting rights, campaign finance, and more--all while arguing that the justices, and the Court, are not political. How are we to understand the motives of the most powerful judge in the land? And what should we expect from Roberts now that he commands a secure right-wing majority? In [this book], award-winning journalist Joan Biskupic offers an inside account of Roberts's life and career, from his formative years at an elite boarding school in Indiana through his service in Republican administrations and into the first Supreme Court sessions of the Trump era. Biskupic contends that Roberts is torn between two often divergent priorities: to carry out a conservative agenda and to protect the Court's image and his place in history. She shows that on certain issues, including race, he is a hardcore ideologue, but on others he is willing to compromise--as he did with his stunning vote to uphold Obamacare. Roberts's dual commitments have sometimes fostered distrust among his colleagues and have had major consequences for the law. A trenchant and authoritative portrait of the Supreme Court's enigmatic chief justice, The Chief shows us the inner workings and interpersonal drama of the highest court in the land."--Jacket An Incisive Biography Of The Supreme Court's Enigmatic Chief Justice, Taking Us Inside The Momentous Legal Decisions Of His Tenure So Far. John Roberts Was Named To The Supreme Court In 2005 Claiming He Would Act As A Neutral Umpire In Deciding Cases. His Critics Argue He Has Been Anything But, Pointing To His Conservative Victories On Voting Rights And Campaign Finance. Yet He Broke From Orthodoxy In His Decision To Preserve Obamacare. How Are We To Understand The Motives Of The Most Powerful Judge In The Land? In The Chief, Award-winning Journalist Joan Biskupic Contends That Roberts Is Torn Between Two, Often Divergent, Priorities: To Carry Out A Conservative Agenda, And To Protect The Court's Image And His Place In History. Biskupic Shows How Roberts's Dual Commitments Have Fostered Distrust Among His Colleagues, With Major Consequences For The Law. Trenchant And Authoritative, The Chief Reveals The Making Of A Justice And The Drama On This Nation's Highest Court. -- From Lancashire To Wonder Street -- The Education Of John Roberts -- Hearing The Call -- May It Please The Court -- The Stand Out -- The Right Place -- Blacks, Whites, And Brown -- Politics And Money -- A Switch In Time -- Divided By Race -- A Fractured Court -- An Open Seat -- The Roberts Court In The Trump Era. Joan Biskupic. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. John Roberts was named to the Supreme Court in 2005 claiming he would act as a neutral umpire in deciding cases. His critics argue he has been anything but, pointing to his conservative victories on voting rights and campaign finance. Yet he broke from orthodoxy in his decision to preserve Obamacare. Biskupic takes us inside the momentous legal decisions of his tenure so far, contending that Roberts is torn between two, often divergent, priorities: to carry out a conservative agenda, and to protect the Court's image and his place in history. In doing so, she reveals the making of a justice-- and the drama on this nation's highest court. -- adapted from publisher info