Samuel Alito Quotes

I had the good fortune to begin my legal career as a law clerk for a judge who really epitomized open-mindedness and fairness. He read the record in detail in every single case that came before me; he insisted on scrupulously following precedents.

I think it's true that we shouldn't apply a strict litmus test and the most important thing in any judge is their capacity to provide fairness and justice to the American people.

A judge who likes every opinion he reaches is a bad judge.

Finally, a good prosecutor knows that her job is to enforce the law without fear or favor. Likewise, a Supreme Court Justice must interpret the laws without fear or favor.

The courtroom is a quiet place, Judge Roberts, where you park your political ideology, and you call the balls and you call the strikes.

In the criminal justice community, as a judge, being tough is not enough. You have to be fair.

The Judge should be quick of perception; firm of purpose, clear in judgment, lenient in the infliction of penalties; assiduous in the practice of mercy; expeditious in the vindication of the innocent: clement in his treatment of criminals; careful of the rights of the stranger; gentle toward his countrymen. He should be no respecter of (important) persons, and should avoid all appearance of partiality.

Good judges do not side with anyone. They rule impartially and blindly based upon the law.

Throughout my decade on the bench, I have watched my colleagues strive day in and day out to do just as Socrates said we should - to hear courteously, answer wisely, consider soberly, and decide impartially.

There is no room on the federal bench for a judge who does not treat all people as equal before the law.

I am not a pro-prosecution or pro-defense judge.

I am not a pro-plaintiff or pro-defendant judge.

Four things belong to a judge: to hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider soberly, and to decide impartially.

The good judge is not he who does hair-splitting justice to every allegation, but who, aiming at substantial justice, rules something intelligible of the guidance of suitors.

Thou shalt not ration justice.

This is the time that I really miss being in my courtroom because I believe that that's the last place in this country where there's supposed to be fairness.

I think I've earned a reputation of being fair and that I'll hear all sides from the entire political spectrum.

You can have many different selection systems, but the bottom line has to be a system that, once the judge takes office that judge will feel that he or she is to decide the case without reference to the popular thing or the popular will of the moment.

The enforcement of the law cannot depend on the justice of a cause or one man's conscience.

I've always tried to be fair, even-handed, not an advocate for any group.

A judge can't have any preferred outcome in any particular case. The judge's only obligation - and it's a solemn obligation - is to the rule of law.

If you would be a good judge, hear what every one says.

Justice discards party, friendship, kindred, and is therefore always represented as blind.

[Discussing the confirmation process:] A judge sworn to decide impartially can offer no forecasts, no hints, for that would show not only disregard for the specifics of the particular case, it would display disdain for the entire judicial process.

Do not favor the poor or show deference to the rich; judge your neighbor fairly.