A new era The Supreme Court entered a new era in 2005 with the retirement of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Initially named to replace O'Connor, John Roberts was renominated by President Bush and easily confirmed as chief justice. Bush picked Harriet Miers to replace O'Connor, the first female justice, but opposition forced Miers to withdraw. Bush then nominated Samuel Alito, who was confirmed over the opposition of most Senate Democrats.

• Alito sworn in as 110th justice

• Alito hearings begin | Testimony wraps up
• Alito's dissenting opinions attract attention
• Bar association: Alito 'well-qualified'
• Alito's key rulings | Gallery
• Reagan files reveal Alito's abortion thinking
• Bush nominates Alito | Bio | Reaction
• Miers withdraws nomination
• Explainer: Confirmation process

• Supreme Court enters Roberts era
• Roberts sworn in as chief justice
• Pros and cons of Roberts
• Gallery: Profile of John Roberts Jr.
• Gallery: Current justices
• Chart: Court appointments since 1971
• Explainer: What do chief justices do?
• Bush nominates Roberts | Reaction

• First female justice hears last case
• Sensibility marks O'Connor's legacy
• O'Connor: Self-reliant and ambitious
• Gallery: A pioneering woman
• Conservatism, restraint mark Rehnquist legacy
• Rehnquist dies at age 80
• Gallery: An influential jurist