Supreme Court Justice

Samuel Alito | Biography

Associate justice of the Supreme Court

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : March 24, 2025

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Who is Samuel Alito?

Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. is an influential figure in American jurisprudence, serving as a Supreme Court Justice since his confirmation in 2006. Born on April 1, 1950, in Trenton, New Jersey, Alito hails from a family of Italian immigrants. His educational journey began at Princeton University, where he earned his bachelor's degree before attending Yale Law School, where he served as editor of the Yale Law Journal. His early career included roles as a law clerk and prosecutor, culminating in his appointment to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in 1990, where he garnered recognition for his conservative judicial philosophy.

Alito's tenure on the Supreme Court has been marked by a consistent adherence to conservative values, often aligning with the court's right wing. He has gained notoriety for his dissenting opinions in landmark cases addressing issues such as healthcare policy and same-sex marriage. For instance, he opposed the Affordable Care Act's subsidies in King v. Burwell and criticized the majority ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the United States. Alito's judicial decisions reflect a commitment to traditional interpretations of the Constitution and have made him a key figure in ongoing debates about the role of the judiciary in American society.

Early Life and Education

Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. was born on April 1, 1950, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Italian immigrant parents. His father, a teacher and the director of the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services, and his mother, a school principal, played pivotal roles in shaping his academic ambitions and values. Raised in a supportive educational environment, Alito demonstrated exceptional academic abilities during his formative years. He attended Steinert High School, where he excelled in his studies, paving the way for his acceptance into Princeton University’s prestigious Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.

At Princeton, Alito balanced a complex array of views, actively participating in discussions about civil liberties and community rights while also opposing affirmative action. His leadership in these areas reflected his evolving political beliefs. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1972, he proceeded to Yale Law School, where he became editor of the Yale Law Journal. Alito’s rigorous legal training and commitment to his studies culminated in graduation in 1975, marking the beginning of a prolific legal career that would see him rise through the ranks from law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Legal Career: From Assistant District Attorney to U.S. Attorney

Samuel Alito's legal career commenced in 1976, when he served as a law clerk for Judge Leonard I. Garth on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. This pivotal role provided him with foundational insights into judicial processes, after which he transitioned to the District of New Jersey as an assistant district attorney. Here, Alito focused on prosecuting significant cases involving drug trafficking and organized crime—areas in which he was particularly invested due to his Italian American heritage. His determination to combat organized crime stemmed from a desire to challenge stereotypes that marred his community’s reputation.

In 1981, Alito took a step up in his career, relocating to Washington, D.C., where he worked as an assistant to the solicitor general at the U.S. Justice Department. In this capacity, he was engaged in high-stakes legal arguments before the Supreme Court, enhancing his credentials as a formidable legal mind. During this period, he also served as deputy assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice from 1985 until 1987. Subsequently, he returned to New Jersey to assume the role of U.S. attorney, where he continued his work in fighting organized crime, culminating in a reputation for effective prosecution and legal acumen.

From Judge to Supreme Court Justice

Samuel Alito's ascension from judge to Supreme Court Justice exemplifies a significant transition in American jurisprudence. In 1990, he was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. During his 16-year tenure on the appellate court, Alito often found himself in the conservative minority, consistently voicing dissenting opinions on various critical cases. His legal expertise and strong stance on issues, particularly around organized crime and personal liberties, shaped his judicial philosophy and led to a growing reputation as a formidable conservative voice in the judiciary.

On October 31, 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Alito to take over the seat of retiring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the Supreme Court. His confirmation process was contentious, marked by passionate hearings where multiple stakeholders voiced their concerns about his views on individual rights and government authority. Despite facing significant opposition, including a filibuster attempt, Alito was confirmed in January 2006 by a narrowly won vote of 58–42. Since joining the Supreme Court, he has consistently aligned with the conservative bloc, particularly in landmark decisions affecting healthcare and marriage equality, showcasing his commitment to a traditional interpretation of the law.

Obamacare and Same-Sex Marriage Rulings

During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Samuel Alito has consistently aligned with conservative values, particularly evident in his dissenting opinions in significant rulings concerning healthcare and marriage equality. His stance on the Affordable Care Act was notably demonstrated in the 2015 case King v. Burwell, where Alito dissentingly criticized the majority ruling upheld by the Court. This decision, which allowed for federal subsidies in health care exchanges, marked a pivotal moment for the Obama administration’s health care reforms. Alito, alongside fellow conservatives, expressed concerns that the ruling undermined state autonomy and the original intent of the law.

Similarly, in the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, Alito again found himself in dissent. He argued that the majority ruling contradicted long-standing societal norms regarding marriage. In his opinion, he warned that this decision could lead to negative repercussions for those who oppose it on moral grounds, suggesting that future freedoms of speech and religion might be endangered. Alito's dissent was emblematic of his broader judicial philosophy, reflecting a commitment to traditional values and an interpretation of the law that resists changes to established norms.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Samuel Alito’s personal life has been marked by his long-standing marriage to Martha-Ann Bomgardner. The couple wed in 1985 and have since built a family together in New Jersey. Alito and Bomgardner have two children, a son named Philip and a daughter named Laura. Their relationship has been characterized by mutual support, which is evident in their shared commitment to family and community involvement. Alito often credits his wife for her unwavering support throughout his demanding legal career, particularly during his ascent to the high-profile position of Supreme Court Justice.

Beyond their immediate family, Alito and his wife are known for their dedication to charitable causes and educational initiatives. They have taken part in various programs aimed at supporting youth development and promoting educational opportunities, reflecting the values instilled in Alito from his upbringing as the son of educators. This focus on family and community has been a cornerstone of Alito's life, demonstrating a personal ethos that aligns with his professional commitment to public service and justice.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary insights

Samuel Alito, as a Supreme Court Justice, has a significant salary, reflective of his role in one of the highest judicial positions in the United States. Currently, Supreme Court Justices earn an annual salary of $265,600, which places Alito among the high earners in the legal field. This salary, set by Congress, is consistent across all sitting justices, ensuring they receive a competitive compensation package relative to their high level of expertise and responsibility. Additionally, significant factors contributing to Alito's net worth include his previous services as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals, his years as a U.S. attorney, and his earlier employment with the Department of Justice.

Beyond his judicial salary, Samuel Alito's net worth may be bolstered further through speaking engagements, book deals, and potential investments. Those in prestigious positions like his often have the opportunity to monetize their expertise through lectures and appearances, which can yield substantial income. As a former adjunct professor, he also likely accrued additional earnings from teaching constitutional law. While specific figures are difficult to ascertain and may vary, it is reasonable to estimate that Alito's net worth is in the several millions, reflecting his decades of service in various influential legal roles.