Early Life And Education

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.: Life, Career, and Supreme Court Tenure

Early Life and Education

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. was born on April 1, 1950, in Trenton, New Jersey. He graduated from Princeton University in 1972 and received his law degree from Yale Law School in 1975.

Legal Career

After graduating from law school, Alito worked as a law clerk for Judge Leonard I. Garth of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He then joined the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City, where he specialized in corporate litigation.

Judicial Appointments

In 1990, Alito was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He served on the Third Circuit for 15 years, during which time he authored numerous influential opinions.

In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Alito to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. After a lengthy confirmation process, Alito was confirmed by the Senate in January 2006.

Supreme Court Tenure

Justice Alito has been a member of the Supreme Court since 2006. He is considered a conservative justice and has often voted with the Court's conservative majority. Alito has written numerous notable opinions, including Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014) and Citizens United v. FEC (2010).

Recent Decisions by Justice Alito

* Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (2022): Alito wrote the majority opinion overturning Roe v. Wade and eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. * Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022): Alito wrote the majority opinion allowing a high school football coach to pray on the field after games. * Shurtleff v. Boston (2021): Alito wrote the majority opinion striking down a law requiring certain religious displays on public property to be accompanied by secular displays.