Antonin Scalia was a highly influential Associate Justice of [[The Supreme Court]] of the United States, who served from 1986 until his death in 2016. Nominated by President [[Ronald Reagan]], Scalia was widely recognized for his [[conservative]] legal philosophy and his belief in the [originalist interpretation](https://doctorparadox.net/gop-myths/originalism/) of the [[Constitution]]. Born in 1936 in Trenton, New Jersey, Scalia graduated from Georgetown University and Harvard Law School before embarking on a legal career. He held various positions in academia, private practice, and government service, including Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel during the [[Richard Nixon]] and Ford administrations. Scalia's originalist philosophy was rooted in the belief that the Constitution should be interpreted according to its original public meaning at the time it was drafted and ratified (although arguably the founders had wished it to be a living document; hence the amendment process, state and local law, the judiciary, etc.). This approach often led him to adopt conservative positions on issues such as abortion, affirmative action, and the Second Amendment. Critics of originalism argue that it can lead to overly narrow interpretations of the Constitution that do not adapt to modern society's evolving needs and values (something, again, the founders warned against). As a Supreme Court Justice, Scalia was known for his forceful and often controversial opinions, which frequently dissented from the majority view. His strong convictions and spirited writing style made him a polarizing figure, but also earned him respect from both supporters and adversaries. Some of his most notable opinions include District of Columbia v. Heller, which affirmed an individual's right to bear arms, and his dissent in Obergefell v. Hodges, which argued against the constitutional right to same-sex marriage. Scalia's impact extended beyond his written opinions, as he was also a powerful advocate for textualism in statutory interpretation, which emphasizes the importance of the actual text of a statute rather than its legislative history or the intentions of its drafters. This approach has gained significant traction in American right-wing legal circles, influencing many judges and legal scholars. Antonin Scalia's death in 2016 marked the end of a career that had a profound influence on American law and the nation's highest court. His legacy continues to shape legal debates and the development of constitutional interpretation in the United States.