Justice Samuel Alito marks his 20th year on the Supreme Court, a milestone that coincides with the release of my new book this month, Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution. The timing feels right. America needs reminding of what a real judge looks like in an era when the court faces relentless attacks from those who prefer activist robes to actual jurisprudence. Alito embodies the quiet courage that has delivered some of the most important victories for constitutional liberty in generations.
Since one of Alito’s colleagues was nearly assassinated by a deranged gunman who turned up at his house, life hasn’t been easy for conservative Supreme Court justices. But back when conservative justices could still be seen in public without being attacked by left-wing activists, Alito and his wife attempted to get brunch in New Haven, Connecticut. Turned away because of a long line, they walked away and went down the street. An eyewitness called it “a very graceful moment,” noting he could have invoked his status.
This is vintage Alito. When he attends functions in Washington, a city of inflated egos, he can be found in the corner, quietly talking to a few people, and making them feel comfortable. If someone else starts talking, he stops. He does not get energy from holding a glass of wine and having people pay homage to him but from reading law review articles.
His humility can be a problem, too. There is a tradition that Supreme Court police stand every time a justice walks by. Alito’s copy machine used to be in the hallway outside his chambers. Rather than asking his aides, he would make his own copies — until the Supreme Court police asked his staff to make the copies so that they wouldn’t have to stand while he performed the routine task.
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