John Roberts was recently confirmed and sworn in as the 17th chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. He has started to serve his lifetime appointment from the start of the court session on Oct. 3. Roberts is the first new member on the court in 11 years. Though originally chosen to succeed the retiring justice Sandra Day O’Connor, he was taken in consideration as chief justice upon the passing away of William Rehnquist. Roberts served on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for District of Columbia prior to becoming chief justice.