July 17 • Antonin Scalia
A Champion of Constitutional Principles
Antonin Scalia was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1936, the son of Italian immigrant families whose values emphasized education, discipline, faith, and hard work. Brilliant, outspoken, and deeply committed to the law, he rose to become one of the most influential jurists in American history.
After teaching law and serving in government, Scalia was appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States in 1986. During nearly three decades on the Court, he became widely known for his sharp writing, spirited questions, and strong commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to its original public meaning.
Whether admired or debated, Justice Scalia reshaped legal thinking across the nation. His opinions, lectures, and dissents influenced judges, lawyers, students, and citizens who continue to study his approach to constitutional law.
Today, Antonin Scalia is remembered as a proud Italian-American, a powerful legal thinker, and a champion of constitutional principles whose legacy continues to shape American law and public debate.