Justice Alito - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. was born on April 1, 1950, in Trenton, New Jersey. He attended Princeton University and then Yale Law School, where he received his law degree in 1975.
- 2. Alito served as a law clerk for Judge Leonard I. Garth of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and then for Justice William J. Brennan Jr. of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- 3. Alito worked as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey from 1977 to 1981, where he handled a wide range of criminal cases.
- 4. In 1987, Alito was appointed as the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey by President Ronald Reagan. He served in that role until 1990 when he was appointed as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
- 5. Alito was nominated by President George W. Bush to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005 to fill the seat vacated by retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. After a contentious confirmation process, he was confirmed by the Senate in a 58-42 vote.
- 6. Alito is considered a conservative justice and is known for his strict interpretation of the Constitution. He often sides with the court's conservative wing on issues such as gun rights, abortion, and religious freedom.
- 7. Alito is known for his meticulous approach to legal analysis and his thorough opinions. He is considered a skilled writer and is known for his clear and concise writing style.
- 8. Alito is a strong advocate for judicial restraint and believes that judges should not legislate from the bench. He often emphasizes the importance of following precedent and respecting the limits of judicial power.
- 9. Alito has written several significant opinions during his time on the Supreme Court, including opinions in cases such as Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., Shelby County v. Holder, and District of Columbia v. Heller.
- 10. Alito is married to Martha-Ann Bomgardner, and they have two children. In his free time, he enjoys playing the guitar and is a fan of opera and classical music.