Story perspectives

Alito Releases First Book, Says He’ll Stay on Court

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 4:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Justice Samuel Alito released his first book, “So Ordered,” on Tuesday.
The book adapts Alito’s 2007-2025 speeches on originalism, abortion, and judicial philosophy.
Alito told CBS’s Jan Crawford he considers retirement each term yet plans to remain on the Court.
Alito said harsh criticism from President Donald Trump and President Biden harms public trust but not rulings.

History

Historical Context

President George H.W. Bush nominated Clarence Thomas on July 1 1991 to replace Thurgood Marshall; the Senate confirmed him on October 15 1991 by a 52-48 vote, the narrowest margin since 1881. Thomas’s originalist stance, later echoed by Justice Samuel Alito’s 2024 book *So Ordered*, has reignited partisan battles over constitutional interpretation, drawing criticism from both Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

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Story summary

Justice Samuel Alito released his first book, “So Ordered,” on Tuesday.
The book adapts Alito’s 2007-2025 speeches on originalism, abortion, and judicial philosophy.
Alito told CBS’s Jan Crawford he considers retirement each term yet plans to remain on the Court.
Alito said harsh criticism from President Donald Trump and President Biden harms public trust but not rulings.

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