Decade in review

As the second decade of the 21st century winds down, it’s a good time to take stock of what these past 10 years have meant for the Supreme Court – and, by extension, the country. The major change at the court, of course, has been in its makeup. Justices Antonin Scalia, who died in 2016, and Anthony Kennedy, who retired in 2018, have been replaced by Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, both chosen by President Donald Trump. The transition was marked by controversy and political polarization, making the court a flashpoint in the buildup to the 2020 election.

Landmark decisions affecting same-sex marriage, voting rights, campaign finance, affirmative action, healthcare and abortion have altered the legal and social landscape. And in the midst of it all, the oldest justice has become a cultural symbol, with a nickname inspired by a famous rap artist. In this series, our staff and contributors will try to put all these developments in perspective.