Samuel Alito Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Education, Career, Supreme Court, Political Party, Wife, Family, Net Worth

Onyedika May 24, 2024

Samuel Alito Biography

Samuel Anthony Alito Jr is an American jurist serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was nominated by President George W. Bush and has been on the Supreme Court since January 31, 2006.

Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, he was a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Known for his conservative stance, Alito has been involved in several notable opinions, including the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), which overturned the 1973 abortion rights decision Roe v. Wade.

In recent news, Justice Alito has been mentioned in relation to flying a controversial flag outside his home and has faced various controversies throughout his tenure on the Supreme Cour. He is recognized as one of the Court’s most conservative justices and has been described as a “practical originalist” in his judicial philosophy.

Samuel Alito Age

Samuel Alito is 74 years old as of 2024.

Samuel Alito Early Life and Educational Background

Samuel Alito was born on April 1, 1950, in Trenton, New Jersey. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in public service; his father, Samuel A. Alito Sr., immigrated from Italy and served as the director of research for the New Jersey legislature, while his mother, Rose F. Fradusco Alito, was an esteemed elementary school teacher and principal.

Samuel Alito graduated from Steinert High School in Hamilton Township, where he was actively involved in various clubs and excelled as a student, eventually becoming the valedictorian of his senior class.

Alito’s educational journey continued at Princeton University, where he earned an A.B. degree in history and political science in 1972. His time at Princeton was not just about academics; he also graduated with a military commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

After completing his active duty, he continued his education at Yale Law School, where he distinguished himself as an editor of the Yale Law Journal. He graduated with a J.D. degree in 1975.

Samuel Alito Judicial Career and Achievements

Justice Samuel Alito’s career is marked by a series of significant achievements and contributions to the American legal system. After graduating from Yale Law School, Alito began his career in the legal profession by clerking for Judge Leonard I. Garth of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Alito’s commitment to public service led him to the position of Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 1977 to 1981. In this role, he prosecuted a wide range of cases, including those involving drug trafficking and organized crime, showcasing his dedication to law enforcement and justice

In 1981, Alito transitioned to the role of Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General. During his time in this position, he argued 12 cases before the Supreme Court, honing his skills as a litigator and gaining a reputation for his persuasive legal arguments.

Alito’s career continued to ascend as he served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Legal Counsel from 1985 to 1987. Here, he provided legal advice to the Attorney General and the Executive Branch, further expanding his expertise in federal law

The year 1990 marked a significant milestone in Alito’s career when he was appointed by President George H.W. Bush as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. His tenure on the Third Circuit lasted until 2006, during which he authored more than 300 opinions and participated in over 3500 cases, earning a reputation as a principled and conservative jurist.

Alito’s most notable achievement came in 2006 when he was nominated by President George W. Bush to the Supreme Court of the United States, succeeding Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. His confirmation solidified his position as a key figure in the American judiciary.

Throughout his time on the Supreme Court, Alito has been involved in several landmark cases, including writing the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Samuel Alito Notable Cases

Justice Samuel Alito has been involved in several notable cases during his tenure on the Supreme Court. Here are some of the key cases:

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022): Alito wrote the majority opinion in this landmark case, which overturned the 1973 abortion rights decision Roe v. Wade.
Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007): Alito’s opinion in this case led to the dismissal of Lilly Ledbetter’s lawsuit alleging pay discrimination against women due to a statute of limitations issue.
McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010): This case extended the Second Amendment right to keep guns at home for self-defense to the states.
Clapper v. Amnesty International USA (2013): Alito’s opinion held that human rights activists could not challenge a law aiding government interception of international communications without showing they were injured.
Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores (2014): Alito sided with the majority, allowing closely held corporations with religious objections to be exempt from a federal law requiring employers to include free coverage of contraceptives in health insurance policies.
Gossip v. Gross (2015): The opinion in this case stated that the 8th Amendment’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment does not prohibit states from using a sedative in lethal injection protocols linked to botched executions.
Janus v. AFSCME: Alito’s majority opinion ruled that public sector unions could not require non-member employees to pay agency fee.
Murphy v. NCAA: This case involved the legality of sports betting, with Alito writing the majority opinion.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission: Although not the majority opinion writer, Alito sided with the majority in this decision that removed restrictions on corporate spending in political campaigns.

Samuel Alito Wife and Children

Justice Samuel Alito is married to Martha-Ann Bomgardner, and they have two children, Philip and Laura. Martha-Ann, a Kentucky native, has a background in library science and has worked in various library roles, including as a law librarian. The couple has been married since 1985 and have maintained a long-term marriage. Their son, Philip, and daughter, Laura, have kept a relatively low profile.

Samuel Alito Net Worth

Samuel Alito’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million as of 2024.