Warren E. Burger became the 15th Chief Justice of the United States when he was sworn in by the outgoing Chief Justice, Earl Warren. The event took place in the East Room of the White House, attended by other dignitaries and members of the Nixon administration, highlighting the strong connection between the judiciary and the executive branch. Richard Nixon, who had appointed Burger to this prestigious position, emphasized the significance of Burger's consensual leadership at a time when the Supreme Court faced various pivotal issues.

Earl Warren's tenure was marked by progressive rulings in landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education and Roe v. Wade, setting a precedent for civil rights and liberties. Burger, on the other hand, was expected to steer the Court towards a more conservative direction, reflecting a shift aligned with Nixon's administration's goals, particularly in matters of law and order, as well as the interpretation of the Constitution.

This transition symbolized not only a change in Supreme Court leadership but also represented deeper ideological shifts in American society. Burger's early decisions demonstrated a blend of innovation and restraint, as he navigated the complexities of a period marked by social upheaval and legal challenges, which would eventually define the Court's legacy in the ensuing decades.