Current Age and Tenure on the Supreme Court
As of 2025, Samuel Alito is 74 years old. He was born April 1, 1950, in Trenton, New Jersey. Alito joined the Supreme Court in 2006 after being nominated by President George W. Bush. His appointment filled the seat vacated by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and he has served for nearly two decades, making him one of the longer-serving current members of the Court.
Early Life and Education
Childhood and Family Background
Alito grew up in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, a suburb of Trenton. His father worked as a lawyer for the New Jersey Highway Authority, and his mother was an elementary school teacher. He attended public schools and has described his upbringing as stable and academically oriented.
Academic Path to Princeton and Yale
Alito earned an A.B. in history from Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude in 1972, where he joined the Ivy Club. He then attended Yale Law School, receiving his J.D. in 1975. At Yale, he served as an editor of the Yale Law Journal and developed an interest in federal jurisdiction and civil procedure.
Professional and Judicial Career Before the Supreme Court
Third Circuit Clerkship and Early Practice
After law school, Alito clerked for Judge Leonard I. Garth of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He then entered private practice at the firm now known as Cooper Carry, focusing on civil litigation and appellate matters.
Federal Prosecutorial Roles and Third Circuit Service
- Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of New Jersey (1981–1985)
- Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division (1985–1987)
- U.S. Attorney, District of New Jersey (1987–1990)
- Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (1990–2006)
On the Third Circuit, Alito built a reputation for careful statutory interpretation, modest use of judicial notice, and measured concern for individual rights relative to government authority.
Supreme Court Tenure and Jurisprudence
Confirmation and Swearing-In
Alito was confirmed by the Senate on January 31, 2006, by a vote of 58–42. He was sworn in two days later, becoming the 110th Justice of the United States. His confirmation followed a detailed review by the Judiciary Committee, where he emphasized fidelity to enacted statutes and the Constitution as written.
Major Opinions and Areas of Influence
| Case | Year | Issue | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burwell v. Hobby Lobby | 2014 | RFRA and contraceptive mandate | Opinion for the Court |
| McCutcheon v. FEC | 2014 | Aggregate contribution limits | Opinion for the Court |
| Janus v. AFSCME | 2018 | First Amendment and public-sector unions | Opinion for the Court |
| Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health | 2022 | Constitutional right to abortion | Opinion for the Court |
Alito’s jurisprudence stresses original meaning, structural constitutional principles, and skepticism of expansive agency interpretations. He has generally advocated stronger protections for religious exercise and more limited administrative authority, while upholding traditional doctrines of standing and separation of powers.
Judicial Philosophy and Approach
Textualist and Originalist Method
Alito is widely described as a textualist and originalist. He emphasizes the public meaning of constitutional and statutory text at enactment, and he often looks to historical context when evaluating constitutional provisions. He maintains that courts should not impose broad, unwritten rights that lack grounding in text or tradition.
Federalism and Separation of Powers
In federalism cases, Alito has generally sought to clarify the boundaries between state and federal power, often favoring state sovereignty where congressional overreach is perceived. His separation-of-powers opinions highlight the importance of respecting institutional design and avoiding judicial rewriting of congressional schemes.
Personal Background and Public Profile
Citizenship, Family, and Civic Involvement
Samuel Alito is a U.S. citizen by birth. He is married to Martha-Ann Alito, and they have two adult children. He is known for a private, reserved demeanor and has maintained a relatively low public profile outside of his judicial duties. He has served on nonprofit boards and engaged in legal education initiatives but tends to limit personal commentary on political topics.
Health and Longevity in Office
There have been no public reports or official statements indicating health concerns that would affect his ability to serve. At 74, he continues to participate fully in the Court’s docket; longevity in office at this age is not uncommon for federal judges, many of whom remain active well into their seventies and beyond under Article III tenure.