Samuel A. Alito Jr.
Appointed by George W. Bush
Confirmed in 2006
Biography
Justice Alito has served on the Supreme Court since 2006. Prior to his appointment, he served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Ideology Score
Very Conservative
Based on Martin-Quinn Score Analysis
About Martin-Quinn Scores
Martin-Quinn scores measure judicial ideology based on voting patterns. Negative scores indicate liberal voting patterns, while positive scores indicate conservative patterns. The scale typically ranges from -4 to +4.
Years on Court
20
Since 2006
Appointed By
George W. Bush
2006
Notable Rulings
Citizens United v. FEC
2010
Ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited under the First Amendment.
Read OpinionBurwell v. Hobby Lobby
2014
Ruled that closely held corporations can be exempt from laws for religious reasons.
Read OpinionDobbs v. Jackson Women's Health
2022
Authored the majority opinion overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Read OpinionKennedy v. Bremerton School District
2022
Ruled that public school coach could pray on the field after games.
Read OpinionCareer Path
Judge Leonard Garth, 3rd Circuit
District of New Jersey
DOJ
DOJ Office of Legal Counsel
District of New Jersey
U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
Supreme Court of the United States · 2006–Present
⚠️ Controversies & Allegations (3)
Upside-Down American Flag After January 6
An upside-down American flag — a symbol used by Stop the Steal movement — was flown at Alito's Virginia home in January 2021, days after the Capitol riot. Alito blamed his wife but refused to recuse from Jan. 6 cases.
Source: New York Times, May 2024
Appeal to Heaven Flag
An 'Appeal to Heaven' flag — associated with Christian nationalism and January 6 rioters — was flown at Alito's New Jersey vacation home. Alito again refused to recuse.
Source: New York Times, May 2024
Paul Singer Undisclosed Trips
ProPublica reported Alito took an undisclosed luxury fishing trip to Alaska in 2008 with hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer, whose firm later had business before SCOTUS. Alito did not recuse himself.
Source: ProPublica, June 2023
Financial Disclosures
Annual financial disclosure reports as required by the Ethics in Government Act.