It was sad to see the passing of such a giant in our country’s judicial branch and a brilliant mind in so many ways. He was exceptionally Bible-literate for instance. He was a friend to those who defend the 1st Amendment and to the unborn. After his death, Justice Thomas, who was his close friend, was lost in grief, but even Justice Ginsburg was said to be grieving. The two did not see eye-to-eye on nearly any issue they would rule on, but Justice Scalia’s personality transcended ideology. He also lobbied the Obama administration to appoint Justice Kagan, another liberal justice who he professionally respected and liked, despite their differences in personal philosophy.
Scalia was an associate justice on the high court and had been appointed by President Reagan in 1986. He earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. He had been a visiting professor of law at Stanford and Georgetown. He had also been an assistant attorney general. He had nine children.
Justice Scalia had been out hunting blue quail the day he died. He was an avid hunter.
The circumstances surrounding the discovery of his body, and the determinations made quickly thereafter, would give many medical professionals and law enforcement people pause. Considering the importance of the jurist, and the impact of his decisions on the country, a perfunctory examination by a professional would have been anticipated and an autopsy would be standard procedure under the circumstances. Although his family did not want an autopsy, it may have been a good idea given his stature and the criticality of his decisions. Rest in peace sir.
