Chief Justice Warren E. Burger: A Personal Tribute

Abstract

Warren Earl Burger was the fifteenth Chief Justice of the United States. He held the office for seventeen years, from 1969 until 1986. This article explores Chief Justice Burger’s accomplishments in judicial administration. As a judge, he probably does not compare favorably to the well-recognized giants of the Court’s history. The author argues, however, that if one considers the administrative role of the position, this Chief would have to be ranked by that same objective observer at the top of all sixteen of the men who have held the office. This article includes a brief biography. Then it examines Chief Justice Burger’s work as a judge. Next it explores in detail Chief Justice Burger’s work as an innovator in judicial administration. Finally, the author (who worked as Administrative Assistant - chief of staff - to Chief Justice Burger) describes “the Chief” in various aspects – as a Court manager, boss, and man.

Keywords: Chief Justice, Warren Burger, Supreme Court, Chief Justice Burger, court manager, judicial administration