During Justice William O. Douglas’s years on the Supreme Court bench, a variety of cases came before the Court that affected American life in fundamental ways, including in the areas of individual and civil rights. Justice Douglas sat on the Court during a tumultuous and pivotal time in American history that was marked by major international conflicts, such as World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, as well as major domestic movements, most notably the civil rights movement. His opinions demonstrate his judicial priorities—protection of civil and individual rights, including the right to privacy; near-absolute deference to the First Amendment; and environmental protection.