15 Quotes by Antonin Scalia
Antonin Scalia is a former Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court who served from 1986 until his death in 2016. Scalia was known for his conservative judicial philosophy, originalism, and textualism, which emphasize interpreting the Constitution according to its original meaning and text. He was a controversial figure on the court, often dissenting from the majority in cases involving issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and affirmative action. Scalia was also a prolific writer and a vocal advocate for the role of the judiciary in American democracy. (Bio)
Antonin Scalia Quotes
A man who has made no enemies is probably not a very good man. (Meaning)
As long as judges tinker with the Constitution to 'do what the people want,' instead of what the document actually commands, politicians who pick and confirm new federal judges will naturally want only those who agree with them politically.
Bear in mind that brains and learning, like muscle and physical skill, are articles of commerce. They are bought and sold. You can hire them by the year or by the hour. The only thing in the world not for sale is character.
Persuade your fellow citizens it's a good idea and pass a law. That's what democracy is all about. It's not about nine superannuated judges who have been there too long, imposing these demands on society.
It is difficult to maintain the illusion that we are interpreting a Constitution, rather than inventing one.
A Bill of Rights that means what the majority wants it to mean is worthless.
Day by day, case by case, the Supreme Court is busy designing a Constitution for a country I do not recognize.
If you're going to be a good and faithful judge, you have to resign yourself to the fact that you're not always going to like the conclusions you reach. If you like them all the time, you're probably doing something wrong.
I even accept for the sake of argument that sexual orgies eliminate social tensions and ought to be encouraged.
In the eyes of government we are just one race here. It is American.
With respect to public acknowledgment of religious belief, it is entirely clear from our nation's historical practices that the Establishment Clause permits this disregard of polytheists and believers in unconcerned deities, just as it permits the disregard of devout atheists.
One can be sophisticated and believe in God. Reason and intellect are not to be laid aside where matters of religion are concerned.
Words have meaning. And their meaning doesn't change.
The death penalty? Give me a break. It's easy. Abortion? Absolutely easy. Nobody ever thought the constitution prevented restrictions on abortion. Homosexual sodomy? Come on. For 200 years, it was criminal in every state.
Campaign promises are - by long democratic tradition - the least binding form of human commitment.
― Antonin Scalia Quotes
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