The California Supreme Court underwent significant changes between 1977 and 1997 due to new justices appointed by different governors. The court's decisions on legal, political, and social issues, as well as external influences, played a role in this transformation. The appointment of justices by governors with varying political beliefs led to shifts in the court's direction. The court's decisions were often criticized for being too protective of criminal rights and restrictive for businesses. The study emphasizes the impact of individual justices on the court's dynamics and the importance of understanding state supreme courts in the broader context of judicial behavior.