The Supreme Court, once anchored by conservative centrists like Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy, has undergone a significant shift to the right. Today’s justices are divided 6-3 along ideological lines, with the conservative bloc often ruling in favor of limiting voting rights and rolling back past cases.

A New Era for the Court

The absence of a pragmatic middle on the court has led to a more polarized and divisive decision-making process. The recent Louisiana and Alabama voting-rights cases, which made it nearly impossible to remedy intentional race discrimination in redistricting, demonstrate the historic change underway.

The court’s decisions have also reflected a mindset that prioritizes conservative values over pragmatic considerations. The reversal of Roe v. Wade and the end of racial affirmative action in higher education are examples of this shift.

Justices O’Connor and Kennedy, who were appointed by Republican presidents, often provided a middle ground on the court. They voted to preserve the right to abortion in Roe v. Wade and sought to balance individual liberties with societal concerns.

A Changing Court

The current court, led by Chief Justice John Roberts, has taken a more conservative approach. The appointment of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, who succeeded the late liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, has emboldened conservatives and led to a series of decisions that have limited the power of the federal government and expanded presidential immunity.

The court’s shift to the right has also led to a decrease in the number of cases being heard. With a 6-3 conservative majority, the court is less likely to take on cases that challenge conservative values or precedent.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.