Was it always so, or did it develop gradually? I found it strange when I learnt of it. In my country, judges aren't supposed to express/exhibit their political views.
Edit: To add context, it came to my attention during the Kavanaugh issue. Also, in relation to it Bernie Sanders spoke about how, many rulings detrimental to working classes' interests were passed by a 5-4 vote etc. Were there any landmark cases etc. from where the SCOTUS took a more political color?
Edit 2: Clarification I am trying to know the origins of the phenomenon in US that appointment of judges is an issue of contention between political parties (like the Kavanaugh hearings). And why there are republican leaning and democrat leaning judges(if there are..)
Would it be possible for you to clarify your question more simply? I would like to answer your question but I am confused as to what your asking. Are you trying to say that SCOTUS decisions are now a consideration? And if so when did they become a consideration? Or are you trying to ask when SCOTUS judges began influencing their decisions with their political beliefs?