Nixon believed the Warren Court had been too liberal and too activist, and vowed to nominate only conservative justices to the Supreme Court to rollback certain progressive changes instituted over the past two decades. Nixon had been quoted as saying he wanted to place a "strict constructionist" on the Court, meaning someone who would interpret the Constitution narrowly, with more of an eye to federal rights over individual rights, and who showed more judicial restraint.
Nixon found the "strict constructionist" in Justice William H. Rehnquist, whose elevation to Chief Justice marked the Supreme Court's latest transition toward ultra-conservatism.
Warren Harding appointed ex-President William Howard Taft to the court in 1921.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Warren led the Court to many decisions that supported liberal principles.
Chief Justice Warren Burger (1969-1986) presided over the court during President Ford's administration.
Warren Burger