The Enduring Influence Of Justices Alito And Roberts

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Justice John Roberts: The Chief Justice's Pragmatism and Impact

Chief Justice John Roberts, appointed in 2005, has navigated the often-turbulent waters of the Supreme Court with a perceived pragmatism, though his decisions have been far from universally praised. His approach, while generally considered conservative, has at times surprised observers, leading to a complex and multifaceted legacy.

Roberts' Role in Landmark Cases

Chief Justice Roberts' role in several landmark cases has solidified his position in legal history.

• Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Roberts sided with the majority, significantly altering campaign finance laws by holding that corporations and unions have the same First Amendment rights as individuals, allowing for unlimited independent political spending. This decision had a profound and lasting impact on American elections and politics.
• NFIB v. Sebelius (2012): In this case challenging the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Roberts surprisingly upheld the individual mandate as a tax, preventing the law’s collapse. This decision, while preserving the ACA, was seen by some as a strategic move to maintain the Court’s legitimacy rather than a strict adherence to his judicial philosophy.
• Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): While Roberts dissented in this landmark case legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, his dissent reflected a respect for the Court's precedent and a concern for the potential for future legal challenges, highlighting a more measured approach than some of his more conservative colleagues.

His judicial philosophy leans toward textualism and originalism, focusing on the original meaning of the Constitution's text and the intent of its framers. However, his decisions often demonstrate a pragmatic approach, seeking to balance legal principles with real-world consequences.

Roberts Court's Legacy

The Roberts Court's legacy is marked by significant shifts across various legal domains.

• Campaign Finance: Citizens United fundamentally altered campaign finance, leading to increased influence of money in politics.
• Healthcare: The upholding of the ACA, though controversial, ensured access to healthcare for millions.
• LGBTQ+ Rights: Obergefell marked a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights, though the legal battles surrounding these rights continue.

The Roberts Court's decisions have been both lauded for their attempts to uphold the rule of law and criticized for their perceived conservative bias and impact on social issues.

Justice Samuel Alito: Conservative Jurisprudence and its Implications

Justice Samuel Alito, appointed in 2006, is known for his consistently conservative judicial philosophy. His opinions reflect a strong commitment to originalism and textualism, often leading to decisions that overturn or limit precedent.

Alito's Key Opinions and Dissents

Justice Alito's most impactful opinions often reflect a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

• Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022): Alito authored the majority opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, ending the constitutional right to abortion and triggering significant national debate and legal challenges.
• Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Alito's concurrence in Citizens United strengthened the majority opinion, emphasizing the importance of free speech for corporations.

His dissents are equally noteworthy, often foreshadowing his later majority opinions and revealing his strong conservative stance. For instance, his dissent in Obergefell v. Hodges foreshadowed the direction of the Court's decision in Dobbs.

The Impact of Alito's Judicial Philosophy

Justice Alito's originalist and textualist approach consistently leads to outcomes favored by conservatives.

• Differences from other justices: Alito's unwavering commitment to originalism often puts him at odds with justices who favor a more dynamic interpretation of the Constitution.
• Potential future consequences: Alito's decisions, particularly in cases involving abortion rights, gun control, and religious freedom, are likely to have long-lasting effects on American society and law.

The Synergy and Differences Between Roberts and Alito

While both Justices Roberts and Alito share a generally conservative ideology, nuances in their approaches and priorities exist.

Areas of Agreement and Divergence

• Agreement: Both justices have consistently voted conservatively in cases involving campaign finance, religious freedom, and criminal justice.
• Divergence: Their differing approaches are evident in cases like NFIB v. Sebelius, where Roberts sought a pragmatic solution while Alito’s approach may have favored a more aggressive invalidation of the ACA.

The Combined Impact on the Supreme Court

The combined influence of Justices Alito and Roberts has significantly shifted the Court's trajectory.

• Increased Polarization: Their decisions have exacerbated the political polarization within the Court and the country.
• Future Implications: Their legacy will continue to shape legal battles and societal discussions for decades to come.

Conclusion

The enduring influence of Justices Alito and Roberts on American law is undeniable. Their decisions, individually and collectively, have reshaped the legal landscape, leaving a lasting mark on issues ranging from campaign finance and healthcare to abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Landmark cases like Citizens United, NFIB v. Sebelius, Obergefell, and Dobbs stand as testaments to their significant impact. Learn more about the legacy of Justices Alito and Roberts by exploring their opinions and the ongoing legal debates they have ignited. Deepen your understanding of the Justices Alito and Roberts' impact on American law through further research and analysis of their jurisprudence.