Warren E. Burger

Warren E. Burger was the 15th chief justice of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1986. He led the Burger Court, which issued major rulings on presidential power, abortion, and school desegregation.

United States v. Nixon: The 1974 Supreme Court decision that required President Richard Nixon to release Watergate-related tape recordings. Burger wrote the unanimous opinion rejecting an absolute presidential privilege to withhold evidence.
Richard Nixon: The 37th president of the United States, whose administration appointed four Supreme Court justices. Nixon appointed Burger chief justice in 1969 as part of an effort to reshape the Court.
Chief Justice of the United States: The presiding officer of the Supreme Court and head of the federal judiciary in the United States. Burger held this office, balancing judicial work with leadership of the federal courts.
National Gallery of Art: A national art museum in Washington, D.C., established by Congress in 1937. Burger chaired the gallery’s board of trustees after retiring from the Court.
Roe v. Wade: The 1973 Supreme Court decision that recognized a constitutional right to abortion. Burger joined the majority in this defining ruling on privacy and reproductive rights.
Harry Blackmun: An associate justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1970 to 1994. Burger’s longtime friend and former colleague became the author of Roe v. Wade.
Supreme Court of the United States: The highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. Burger presided over the Court and assigned opinions when he was in the majority.
Constitution Bicentennial: The 1987–1991 national commemoration of the United States Constitution’s 200th anniversary. Burger led the federal commission organizing the bicentennial after his retirement.
Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education: The 1971 Supreme Court decision approving busing and other remedies to desegregate public schools. Burger wrote the Court’s opinion affirming broad judicial authority to remedy school segregation.
William Rehnquist: An associate justice from 1972 and chief justice from 1986 to 2005. Burger’s successor had served on the Court throughout most of Burger’s chief justiceship.

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