Warren Court

The Warren Court refers to the Supreme Court of the United States between 1953 and 1969, when Earl Warren served as Chief Justice. Marking some of the most dramatic changes in judicial power and philosophy in the history of the American judiciary, the Court expanded civil rights and liberties, judicial power, and the federal power in ways previously unseen.

The court was both applauded and criticized for bringing an end to racial segregation, incorporating the Bill of Rights (i.e. applying it to states), and ending officially-sanctioned mandatory prayer in public schools. The period is recognized as a high point in judicial power that has receded ever since, but with a substantial continuing impact.

Prominent members of the Court during the Warren era besides the Chief Justice included Justices William J. Brennan, Jr., William O. Douglas, Hugo Black, Felix Frankfurter, and John Marshall Harlan II