In his breakneck construction of a grand ballroom and in many other initiatives, critics say, the president has tried to outrun judicial review.

© Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times

Two recent studies say judges are not doing enough to protect the public interest in openness.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Chief Justice Roberts, once such a lawyer, has said he has mixed feelings about the trend.

© Eric Lee/The New York Times