Who served as the swing vote according to the typical alignment for the Supreme Court?

The identification of the swing vote on the Supreme Court is often attributed to Justice Anthony Kennedy, especially during his tenure on the bench. A swing vote is typically a member of a court whose vote can go either way on closely contested cases, often determining the outcome of decisions in pivotal moments.

Kennedy was frequently in the position to cast the deciding vote in many important cases, particularly on issues involving civil rights, abortion, and other contentious matters, reflecting a moderate stance that could bridge the divide between the more liberal and conservative justices. He played this crucial role in numerous landmark cases, making his vote particularly influential in shaping the court’s direction on significant constitutional questions.

In contrast, other justices like Roberts, Scalia, and Kagan have had different judicial philosophies and voting patterns, which have not positioned them consistently as the decisive vote in the same way Kennedy did during his time. For instance, Roberts, while he has also occasionally taken on a pivotal role, has a more conservative lean compared to Kennedy's broader moderating influence. Scalia was known for his strong conservative views and originalist approach, whereas Kagan leans more liberal. Thus, Kennedy’s unique role as a moderating figure on the Supreme Court makes him the correct choice as