Who is the current Chief Justice?
Asked by: Elinor Goldner | Last update: February 20, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (39 votes)
The current Chief Justice of the United States is John G. Roberts, Jr., who has served in the role since his appointment by President George W. Bush in September 2005, becoming the 17th person to hold the position.
Who is the Chief Justice of the US right now?
John G. Roberts, Jr., Chief Justice of the United States,
He received an A.B. from Harvard College in 1976 and a J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1979.
How long has Roberts been Chief Justice?
Chief Justice John Roberts has been on the U.S. Supreme Court since September 29, 2005, when he was sworn in as the 17th Chief Justice, succeeding William Rehnquist. This makes him a justice for over 20 years, as of early 2026, having been appointed by President George W. Bush.
What is the salary of the Chief Justice?
The salary for the U.S. Chief Justice is set by Congress, with the rate for 2024 being $312,200 annually, increasing to $317,500 in 2025, while Associate Justices earn slightly less. State chief justices have different salaries, such as Maryland's Chief Justice earning $255,433 as of July 1, 2025, and Nebraska's Chief Justice earning $231,857.65 as of July 1, 2026, highlighting significant variations across jurisdictions.
Why didn't Obama get to nominate a Supreme Court judge?
With the death of Antonin Scalia in February 2016 in the beginning of a presidential election year, the Republican majority in the Senate made it their stated policy to refuse to consider any nominee to the Supreme Court, arguing that the next president should be the one to appoint Scalia's replacement.
A look at the current Supreme Court
Who appointed more judges, Trump or Obama?
While President Obama appointed more judges overall (around 330-334) across his two terms compared to Donald Trump's single term (around 226-245), Trump appointed a higher proportion of powerful appellate court judges and more Supreme Court justices (three vs. Obama's two), significantly shifting the courts' ideological balance, especially the circuit courts.
Has any president ignored a Supreme Court ruling?
Yes, presidents have ignored or defied Supreme Court rulings, most famously Andrew Jackson with the Cherokee Nation (Trail of Tears) and Abraham Lincoln by suspending habeas corpus, but this is rare and often leads to constitutional crises, with recent instances involving defiance in deportation cases under the Trump administration. Other examples include governors defying rulings on segregation (Faubus, Barnett) and FDR's stance on military tribunals, highlighting ongoing tensions between executive power and judicial authority.
What is judge Judy's salary?
Judge Judy Sheindlin earned a reported $47 million annually for hosting her hit show, a figure she negotiated for years, making her one of the world's highest-paid TV hosts before the show ended in 2021. This substantial income came from her salary, plus a significant $100 million payout for selling the show's library rights to CBS. She continued earning large sums with her subsequent shows, Judy Justice and Justice on Trial, streaming on Amazon/Prime Video.
Who is the highest paid judge in the United States?
The highest-paid judges in the U.S. are typically Federal Judges, especially Supreme Court Justices, followed by high-level state court judges in states like California and Illinois, with federal Chief Justice salary over $300k and state supreme justices nearing $300k, according to early 2024 data. State judges in California and Illinois consistently rank at the top for various court levels, while salaries vary significantly by state.
Who was the youngest Chief Justice?
The youngest Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court was John Marshall, who was 45 years old when appointed in 1801, while the youngest ever appointed Chief Justice to be sworn in (after Marshall) was John G. Roberts, Jr., at age 50 in 2005, making him the youngest in over 200 years.
Who is the most powerful judge in the United States?
The most powerful judge in the United States is generally considered to be the Chief Justice of the United States, currently John G. Roberts, Jr., because he leads the Supreme Court, heads the entire federal judiciary, and holds significant influence in shaping legal precedent and the Court's direction, even if his vote is just one of nine. His power comes from judicial leadership, managing close cases, and influencing the institutional reputation of the Supreme Court.
What is John Roberts religion?
In 2005, John Roberts became the third Catholic Chief Justice and the fourth Catholic on the court. Shortly thereafter, Samuel Alito became the fifth on the court, and the eleventh in the history of the court. Alito's appointment gave the court a Catholic majority for the first time in its history.
Can the president change the number of Supreme Court Justices?
No, the President cannot directly change the number of Supreme Court Justices; only Congress has that power by passing a law, but the President must sign that law for it to take effect, meaning both branches must agree, as seen with the Judiciary Act of 1869 fixing the number at nine. While presidents appoint justices, they can only fill existing vacancies or new ones Congress creates, as the Constitution doesn't set the court's size, allowing Congress to adjust it as a legislative check.
Can the president remove the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
No, the President cannot fire the Chief Justice or any Supreme Court Justice; they hold office during "good Behavior," meaning life tenure, and can only be removed through the impeachment process by Congress (House impeaches, Senate convicts). This lifetime appointment ensures judicial independence, protecting judges from executive and legislative pressure, and they serve until death, resignation, or removal.
Is John Roberts an American citizen?
Roberts is a dual Canadian and American citizen.
Who is Trump's Chief Justice Roberts?
As chief justice, Roberts has authored majority opinions in many landmark cases, including National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (upholding most sections of the Affordable Care Act), Shelby County v. Holder (limiting the Voting Rights Act of 1965), Trump v. Hawaii (expanding presidential powers over ...
What is the president's salary?
The U.S. President receives a $400,000 annual salary, a rate set in 2001, plus a $50,000 expense account for official duties, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account, and $19,000 for entertainment, along with perks like housing, healthcare, and security, though some presidents donate their salary.
Do Supreme Court justices get salary for life?
Yes, U.S. Supreme Court Justices receive a lifetime pension, equivalent to their final salary, once they retire under specific conditions, primarily serving a minimum of 10 years with their age and service years totaling 80 (the "Rule of 80"), ensuring financial security for their lifetime of service and judicial independence. They can also opt for "senior status," continuing to work part-time and earning their active salary while still eligible for retirement benefits later.
What is a senator's salary?
A U.S. Senator's base salary is $174,000 annually, a rate set in 2009, with leaders earning more, like Majority/Minority Leaders and the President pro tempore at $193,400, while other income can come from prior careers or expense reimbursements, according to Congress.gov.
Why did Judge Judy split with her husband?
Judge Judy (Judy Sheindlin) and her husband Jerry Sheindlin divorced briefly in 1990 due to immense stress and grief from her father's death, which led to her feeling unsupported by Jerry, who struggled to provide the emotional care she needed. After she gave him an ultimatum, he dared her to file, and she did, but they remarried within a year, realizing they missed each other.
Does Judge Judy have a private jet?
For its entire 25-season run, Judge Judy taped at the Sunset Bronson Studios on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. In alternating weeks, Sheindlin, who owns a home in New York among other cities/states, flew out on her private jet to tape her show, typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
How much does the bailiff on Judge Judy make?
Judge Judy's long-time bailiff, Petri Hawkins-Byrd, reportedly earned over $1 million annually during his tenure, but general bailiff salaries vary significantly, averaging around $68,000-$75,000 nationally as of early 2026, depending on location, skills, and experience, with potential for much higher earnings in specific roles.
What are three things the president can't do?
A PRESIDENT CANNOT . . .
make laws. declare war. decide how federal money will be spent. interpret laws.
Can the president overthrow a Supreme Court decision?
When the Supreme Court rules on a constitutional issue, that judgment is virtually final; its decisions can be altered only by the rarely used procedure of constitutional amendment or by a new ruling of the Court.
Did President Obama appoint any Supreme Court Justices?
President Barack Obama made two successful appointments to the Supreme Court of the United States. The first was Judge Sonia Sotomayor to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice David H. Souter. Sotomayor was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 6, 2009, by a vote of 68–31.