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Samuel Alito is the first Italian American justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito is the second Italian American justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, following Justice Antonin Scalia.
Samuel Alito's father was a high school teacher and later became the first director of the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services.
Answer: True
Explanation: His father, Samuel A. Alito Sr., held both positions, serving as a high school teacher and the first director of the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services.
Alito graduated as valedictorian from Steinert High School in 1968 and later earned his Bachelor of Arts *summa cum laude* from Princeton University.
Answer: True
Explanation: Samuel Alito achieved both academic distinctions, graduating as valedictorian from high school and *summa cum laude* from Princeton University.
Samuel Alito's senior thesis at Princeton University focused on the history of American constitutional amendments.
Answer: False
Explanation: His senior thesis at Princeton University was titled 'An Introduction to the Italian Constitutional Court,' not American constitutional amendments.
The 1971 Princeton student conference chaired by Alito recommended increased domestic intelligence gathering to enhance national security.
Answer: False
Explanation: The conference report supported curbs on domestic intelligence gathering and anticipated the need for a statute and a court to oversee national security surveillance, rather than advocating for increased gathering.
Samuel Alito served on active duty in the United States Army Reserve for five years before being honorably discharged.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito served on active duty from September to December 1975, a period of four months, before being honorably discharged from the Army Reserve in 1980.
In his 1972 Princeton yearbook, Samuel Alito expressed an ambition to become a prominent legal scholar rather than a judge.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his 1972 Princeton yearbook, Samuel Alito indicated his aspiration to 'eventually warm a seat on the Supreme Court,' clearly expressing an ambition to become a judge.
Samuel Alito earned his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the *Harvard Law Review*.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito earned his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School, where he served as an editor of the *Yale Law Journal*.
What is Samuel Alito's ethnic background, and who was the first justice of that background?
Answer: Italian American, following Antonin Scalia
Explanation: Samuel Alito is an Italian American, and the second justice of this background, following Justice Antonin Scalia.
Where was Samuel Alito born and raised?
Answer: Trenton, New Jersey, and Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Explanation: Samuel Alito was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and grew up in Hamilton Township, New Jersey.
What were the professions of Samuel Alito's parents?
Answer: His father was a high school teacher and director of the NJ Office of Legislative Services; his mother was a schoolteacher
Explanation: Samuel Alito's father was a high school teacher and the first director of the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services, while his mother was also a schoolteacher.
What was the academic distinction Samuel Alito achieved upon graduating from Princeton University?
Answer: Summa cum laude
Explanation: Samuel Alito graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts, *summa cum laude*.
Which of the following was NOT a key recommendation of the 1971 Princeton student conference chaired by Alito?
Answer: Advocating for expanded government surveillance powers
Explanation: The 1971 Princeton student conference chaired by Alito supported curbs on domestic intelligence gathering, not expanded government surveillance powers.
What was Samuel Alito's military rank when he was honorably discharged in 1980?
Answer: Captain
Explanation: Samuel Alito was promoted to Captain before being honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve in 1980.
What career aspiration did Samuel Alito express in his 1972 Princeton yearbook?
Answer: To eventually warm a seat on the Supreme Court
Explanation: In his 1972 Princeton yearbook, Samuel Alito explicitly stated his aspiration to 'eventually warm a seat on the Supreme Court.'
Where did Samuel Alito obtain his law degree, and what was his role at the institution?
Answer: Yale Law School, editor of the *Yale Law Journal*
Explanation: Samuel Alito earned his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School, where he served as an editor of the *Yale Law Journal*.
As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Samuel Alito primarily handled civil rights cases.
Answer: False
Explanation: As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Samuel Alito primarily prosecuted cases involving drug trafficking and organized crime.
While serving as Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General, Alito argued 12 cases before the Supreme Court and lost only two.
Answer: True
Explanation: As Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General from 1981 to 1985, Alito argued 12 cases before the Supreme Court and lost only two.
What was Samuel Alito's first legal position after graduating from law school?
Answer: Law clerk for a Third Circuit appeals judge
Explanation: After graduating from law school, Samuel Alito's first legal position was clerking for Third Circuit appeals judge Leonard I. Garth.
What types of cases did Samuel Alito primarily handle as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey?
Answer: Drug trafficking and organized crime
Explanation: As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, Samuel Alito primarily prosecuted cases involving drug trafficking and organized crime.
How many cases did Samuel Alito argue before the Supreme Court as Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General, and how many did he lose?
Answer: 12 cases, lost 2
Explanation: While serving as Assistant to the U.S. Solicitor General, Samuel Alito argued 12 cases before the Supreme Court and lost only two.
In *Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists* (1986), Alito authored a memo directly attacking the constitutional right to an abortion.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *Thornburgh*, Alito authored a memo urging the Solicitor General to *avoid* directly attacking the constitutional right to an abortion, though this recommendation was ultimately rejected.
In his 1985 application for Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Alito expressed concerns about decisions made by the Warren Court regarding criminal procedure and the Establishment Clause.
Answer: True
Explanation: In his 1985 application, Alito indeed voiced concerns about decisions made by the Warren Court in areas such as criminal procedure, the Establishment Clause, and reapportionment.
In his dissent in *Planned Parenthood v. Casey* (1992), Alito argued against a spousal notification requirement for abortion.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his dissent in *Planned Parenthood v. Casey*, Alito argued that he would have upheld the spousal notification requirement for abortion, not argued against it.
In *United States v. Rybar* (1996), Alito's dissenting opinion supported an expansive view of congressional power under the Commerce Clause.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *United States v. Rybar*, Alito's dissenting opinion argued that a federal law banning submachine guns exceeded the authority of Congress under the Commerce Clause, reflecting a restrictive view of congressional power.
In *Saxe v. State College Area School District* (2001), Alito's majority opinion upheld a public school district's anti-harassment policy as constitutional.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *Saxe v. State College Area School District*, Alito's majority opinion held that the public school district's anti-harassment policy was unconstitutionally overbroad and violated First Amendment free speech guarantees.
Alito describes his judicial philosophy as 'strict constructionist,' focusing solely on the literal text of the Constitution.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito describes his judicial philosophy as 'practical originalist,' which involves interpreting the Constitution based on its original public meaning while also considering practical implications, rather than solely strict constructionism.
In *Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists* (1986), what did Alito's memo urge the Solicitor General to do regarding abortion rights?
Answer: Avoid directly attacking the constitutional right to an abortion
Explanation: In *Thornburgh*, Alito's memo urged the Solicitor General to avoid directly attacking the constitutional right to an abortion.
Which of the following was NOT listed as a significant conservative influence by Alito in his 1985 application for Deputy Assistant Attorney General?
Answer: John F. Kennedy's presidential campaign
Explanation: In his 1985 application, Alito listed William F. Buckley, Jr., the *National Review*, Alexander Bickel, and Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign as significant conservative influences, not John F. Kennedy's campaign.
In his dissent in *Planned Parenthood v. Casey* (1992), what abortion regulation did Alito argue he would have upheld?
Answer: Spousal notification requirement
Explanation: In his dissent in *Planned Parenthood v. Casey*, Alito argued that he would have upheld the spousal notification requirement for abortion.
In *United States v. Rybar* (1996), Alito's dissenting opinion argued that a federal law banning submachine guns:
Answer: Exceeded the authority of Congress under the Commerce Clause.
Explanation: In *United States v. Rybar*, Alito's dissenting opinion argued that a federal law banning submachine guns exceeded the authority of Congress under the Commerce Clause.
What was the outcome of *Saxe v. State College Area School District* (2001), where Alito wrote the majority opinion?
Answer: Ruled the anti-harassment policy unconstitutionally overbroad, violating free speech.
Explanation: In *Saxe v. State College Area School District*, Alito's majority opinion held that the public school district's anti-harassment policy was unconstitutionally overbroad and violated First Amendment guarantees of free speech.
In *ACLU v. Schundler* (1999), Alito's majority opinion stated that a government-sponsored holiday display was permissible if it:
Answer: Was a mixed display including both secular and religious symbols, balanced within a generally secular context.
Explanation: In *ACLU v. Schundler*, Alito's majority opinion stated that a government-sponsored holiday display was permissible if it was a mixed display including both secular and religious symbols, balanced within a generally secular context.
How does Samuel Alito describe his judicial philosophy?
Answer: Practical originalist
Explanation: Samuel Alito describes his judicial philosophy as 'practical originalist,' interpreting the Constitution based on its original public meaning while considering practical implications.
Samuel Alito was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton in late 2005.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito was nominated to the Supreme Court by President George W. Bush in October 2005, not President Bill Clinton.
Alito succeeded Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg upon his appointment to the Supreme Court.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito succeeded Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor upon her retirement, not Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The American Bar Association rated Samuel Alito 'Not Qualified' at the time of his nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the time of his nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 1990, the American Bar Association rated Samuel Alito 'Well Qualified'.
The Senate confirmed Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court by a narrow margin of 58-42, following a failed filibuster attempt.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Senate confirmed Samuel Alito by a vote of 58-42 on January 31, 2006, after a filibuster attempt by Senator John Kerry failed.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) supported Alito's Supreme Court nomination, citing his strong record on individual freedoms.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ACLU formally opposed Alito's nomination, a rare action for the organization, due to concerns that his record demonstrated a willingness to abridge individual freedoms.
Samuel Alito's first written Supreme Court opinion, *Holmes v. South Carolina* (2006), was a unanimous decision.
Answer: True
Explanation: In line with Supreme Court tradition for new justices, Alito's first written opinion, *Holmes v. South Carolina*, was a unanimous decision.
What is Samuel Alito's current judicial role and the year he assumed this position?
Answer: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, 2006
Explanation: Samuel Alito has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since January 31, 2006.
Who nominated Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court?
Answer: President George W. Bush
Explanation: Samuel Alito was nominated to the Supreme Court by President George W. Bush on October 31, 2005.
Which Supreme Court Justice did Samuel Alito succeed upon his appointment?
Answer: Sandra Day O'Connor
Explanation: Justice Alito succeeded Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who retired from the Supreme Court on July 1, 2005.
What was the American Bar Association's rating for Samuel Alito when he was nominated to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 1990?
Answer: Well Qualified
Explanation: The American Bar Association rated Samuel Alito 'Well Qualified' at the time of his nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 1990.
What was the final Senate vote for Samuel Alito's confirmation as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court?
Answer: 58-42
Explanation: The Senate confirmed Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court by a vote of 58-42 on January 31, 2006.
Why did the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) formally oppose Alito's Supreme Court nomination?
Answer: They were concerned his record demonstrated a willingness to abridge individual freedoms.
Explanation: The ACLU formally opposed Alito's nomination due to concerns that his record demonstrated a willingness to support government actions that could abridge individual freedoms.
What was the nature of Samuel Alito's first written Supreme Court opinion, *Holmes v. South Carolina* (2006)?
Answer: A unanimous, uncontroversial opinion ordering a new trial for a criminal defendant.
Explanation: Samuel Alito's first written Supreme Court opinion, *Holmes v. South Carolina*, was a unanimous, uncontroversial decision ordering a new trial for a criminal defendant.
In *Gomez-Perez v. Potter* (2008), Alito sided with the conservative bloc, ruling against federal workers suing for age discrimination retaliation.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *Gomez-Perez v. Potter*, Alito delivered the majority opinion, siding with the liberal bloc of the Court, allowing federal workers to sue for damages related to age discrimination retaliation.
Samuel Alito joined the majority opinion in *Obergefell v. Hodges* (2015), which established the right to same-sex marriage.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *Obergefell v. Hodges*, Samuel Alito joined Justice Clarence Thomas in a separate dissenting opinion, disagreeing with the majority's decision to legalize same-sex marriage.
Alito's dissent in *Bostock v. Clayton County* (2020) argued that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 should be interpreted to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Answer: False
Explanation: In his dissent in *Bostock v. Clayton County*, Alito argued that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does *not* prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Since Justice Amy Coney Barrett's appointment, Alito has been described as embodying a conservative majority that aims to overrule progressive precedents.
Answer: True
Explanation: Since Justice Amy Coney Barrett's appointment in 2020, Alito has been described as 'the embodiment of a conservative majority that is ambitious and extreme,' leading to the overruling of progressive precedents.
In *Gonzales v. Carhart* (2007), Samuel Alito dissented from the majority's decision to uphold the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act.
Answer: False
Explanation: In *Gonzales v. Carhart*, Samuel Alito fully joined the five-justice majority opinion that upheld the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, he did not dissent.
The leaked draft opinion authored by Alito in May 2022 indicated the Court's intention to uphold *Roe v. Wade*.
Answer: False
Explanation: The leaked draft opinion authored by Alito in May 2022 indicated the Court's intention to overturn *Roe v. Wade*, not uphold it.
In the final *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* ruling, Alito stated that *Roe v. Wade* was 'egregiously wrong from the start.'
Answer: True
Explanation: In the final *Dobbs* ruling, Samuel Alito explicitly wrote that '*Roe* was egregiously wrong from the start.'
In *Gomez-Perez v. Potter* (2008), Alito's majority opinion allowed federal workers to sue for damages related to what issue?
Answer: Retaliation after filing age discrimination complaints
Explanation: In *Gomez-Perez v. Potter*, Alito's majority opinion allowed federal workers to sue for damages if they experienced retaliation after filing age discrimination complaints.
What was Samuel Alito's position in the landmark case *Obergefell v. Hodges* (2015)?
Answer: He joined Justice Clarence Thomas in a separate dissenting opinion.
Explanation: In *Obergefell v. Hodges*, Samuel Alito joined Justice Clarence Thomas in a separate dissenting opinion, disagreeing with the majority's decision.
What was the core argument of Alito's dissent in *Bostock v. Clayton County* (2020)?
Answer: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Explanation: In his dissent in *Bostock v. Clayton County*, Alito argued that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
How has Samuel Alito's role on the Supreme Court been described since Justice Amy Coney Barrett's appointment in 2020?
Answer: As the embodiment of a conservative majority that is ambitious and extreme.
Explanation: Since Justice Amy Coney Barrett's appointment in 2020, Samuel Alito has been described as 'the embodiment of a conservative majority that is ambitious and extreme,' aiming to overrule progressive precedents.
What was the Supreme Court's ruling in *Gonzales v. Carhart* (2007) regarding the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act?
Answer: The Court ruled the Act constitutional.
Explanation: In *Gonzales v. Carhart*, the Supreme Court ruled the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act constitutional, with Justice Alito joining the majority.
What did the leaked draft opinion authored by Alito in May 2022 indicate about *Roe v. Wade*?
Answer: It would be overturned, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.
Explanation: The leaked draft opinion authored by Alito in May 2022 indicated the Court's intention to overturn *Roe v. Wade*, thereby eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.
What was Samuel Alito's key statement in the final *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* ruling regarding *Roe v. Wade*?
Answer: '*Roe* was egregiously wrong from the start.'
Explanation: In the final *Dobbs* ruling, Samuel Alito explicitly stated that '*Roe* was egregiously wrong from the start.'
In November 2020, Alito praised the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, stating it effectively balanced public health with individual liberties.
Answer: False
Explanation: In November 2020, Alito criticized the 'loss of individual liberties' due to prolonged restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, rather than praising the government's handling.
Samuel Alito publicly apologized to foreign leaders for the *Dobbs* decision in a keynote address in Rome.
Answer: False
Explanation: In a keynote address in Rome, Samuel Alito publicly mocked several foreign leaders for their criticisms of the *Dobbs* decision, rather than apologizing.
*ProPublica*'s investigation in June 2023 alleged that Justice Alito failed to disclose gifts, including private jet travel, from a billionaire businessman.
Answer: True
Explanation: *ProPublica*'s investigation alleged that Justice Alito failed to disclose gifts, such as private jet travel, from billionaire businessman Paul Singer.
Alito defended himself against *ProPublica*'s allegations by stating he was unaware of the reporting rules for judicial gifts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Alito defended himself by publishing an op-ed stating he was not required to disclose private air transport for social trips due to a 'personal hospitality' exemption, not by claiming unawareness of reporting rules.
In a July 2023 *Wall Street Journal* opinion column, Alito asserted that Congress has no constitutional authority to regulate the Supreme Court.
Answer: True
Explanation: In a July 2023 *Wall Street Journal* opinion column, Samuel Alito stated, 'Congress did not create the Supreme Court [...] No provision in the Constitution gives them the authority to regulate the Supreme Court—period.'
The upside-down American flag displayed at Alito's residence in January 2021 was a symbol of national unity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The upside-down American flag displayed at Alito's residence in January 2021 was a signal of distress adopted by supporters of the 'Stop the Steal' movement, not a symbol of national unity.
The Pine Tree Flag flown at Alito's beach house has been adopted by Christian nationalists and was seen during the January 6 Capitol attack.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Pine Tree Flag, flown at Alito's beach house, has indeed been adopted by Christian nationalists and was observed during the January 6 Capitol attack.
Martha-Ann Alito stated in a secret recording that she flew the Pine Tree Flag to express her support for the media.
Answer: False
Explanation: In a secret recording, Martha-Ann Alito stated her desire for a 'Sacred Heart of Jesus' flag in response to a Pride flag and expressed intentions to 'get' the media, not support for it.
Samuel Alito claimed personal responsibility for hoisting both controversial flags at his residences.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito stated he had no involvement in hoisting either flag and clarified that his wife, Martha-Ann, was responsible for flying them.
Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Ponsor was praised for publicly criticizing Justice Alito's flag-flying, as it upheld judicial ethics.
Answer: False
Explanation: Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Ponsor later apologized for his public criticism of Alito's flag-flying after it was found to have hurt public confidence in the courts.
What did Samuel Alito criticize in November 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer: The 'loss of individual liberties' due to prolonged restrictions.
Explanation: In November 2020, Samuel Alito criticized the 'loss of individual liberties' resulting from the severe and prolonged restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How did Samuel Alito respond to criticisms from foreign leaders regarding the *Dobbs* decision in July 2022?
Answer: He publicly mocked several foreign leaders for their criticisms.
Explanation: In a July 2022 keynote address, Samuel Alito publicly mocked several foreign leaders for their criticisms of the *Dobbs* decision.
What did *ProPublica* allege in June 2023 regarding Justice Alito's financial disclosures?
Answer: He took a luxury fishing trip with a billionaire and failed to disclose private jet travel as a gift.
Explanation: *ProPublica* alleged that Justice Alito took a luxury fishing trip with a billionaire businessman and failed to disclose private jet travel as a gift.
How did Samuel Alito defend himself against the *ProPublica* allegations of undisclosed gifts?
Answer: He published an op-ed stating he was not required to disclose private air transport for social trips due to a 'personal hospitality' exemption.
Explanation: Alito defended himself by publishing an op-ed in *The Wall Street Journal*, claiming he was not required to disclose private air transport for social trips due to a 'personal hospitality' exemption.
What controversial statement did Alito make in a July 2023 *Wall Street Journal* opinion column regarding Congress's authority over the Supreme Court?
Answer: Congress did not create the Supreme Court, and no provision gives them authority to regulate it.
Explanation: In a July 2023 *Wall Street Journal* opinion column, Alito stated, 'Congress did not create the Supreme Court [...] No provision in the Constitution gives them the authority to regulate the Supreme Court—period.'
What was the significance of the upside-down American flag flown outside Alito's residence in January 2021?
Answer: It was a signal of distress used by supporters of the 'Stop the Steal' movement.
Explanation: The upside-down American flag flown outside Alito's residence in January 2021 was a signal of distress adopted by supporters of the 'Stop the Steal' movement.
What other flag, besides the upside-down American flag, caused controversy at one of Alito's properties?
Answer: The Pine Tree Flag
Explanation: The Pine Tree Flag, flown at Alito's beach house, also caused controversy due to its adoption by Christian nationalists and appearance during the January 6 Capitol attack.
According to Samuel Alito, who was responsible for flying the controversial flags at his residences?
Answer: His wife, Martha-Ann, in response to a neighborhood dispute.
Explanation: Samuel Alito stated that his wife, Martha-Ann, was responsible for flying the controversial flags in response to a dispute with a neighbor.
What was the consequence for a U.S. District Judge who publicly criticized Justice Alito's flag-flying?
Answer: He later apologized after his remarks were found to have hurt public confidence in the courts.
Explanation: Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Ponsor later apologized for his public criticism of Justice Alito's flag-flying after his remarks were found to have hurt public confidence in the courts.
Samuel Alito is a known fan of the New York Yankees, and their mascot attended his Supreme Court welcome dinner.
Answer: False
Explanation: Samuel Alito is a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, and their mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, attended his Supreme Court welcome dinner.
Who is Samuel Alito married to, and what is known about their family?
Answer: He is married to Martha-Ann Bomgardner and they have two children.
Explanation: Samuel Alito is married to Martha-Ann Bomgardner, and they have two children.
What is Samuel Alito's favorite sports team, and who was a special guest at his Supreme Court welcome dinner?
Answer: Philadelphia Phillies, with the Phillie Phanatic.
Explanation: Samuel Alito is a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, and their mascot, the Phillie Phanatic, was a special guest at his Supreme Court welcome dinner.
What teaching positions has Samuel Alito held during his legal career?
Answer: Adjunct professor at Seton Hall University School of Law and visiting professor at Duke University School of Law.
Explanation: Samuel Alito served as an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University School of Law and a visiting professor at Duke University School of Law.