Justice Samuel Alito to Publish Book in 2024, Joining Peers

Justice Samuel Alito, a prominent conservative member of the United States Supreme Court, is set to publish a book in 2024. This move aligns him with several colleagues who have recently secured publishing deals, indicating a growing trend among justices to share their perspectives through written works.

Alito, appointed to the Supreme Court by President George W. Bush, has been a steadfast conservative voice on the bench. The book will be released under the Basic Liberty imprint, part of Basic Books, though specific details regarding its content and title have not yet been disclosed. Throughout his tenure, Alito has made headlines for his significant rulings, including authoring the landmark decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade.

This announcement follows a trend among Supreme Court justices to engage with the public via literature. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a member of the court’s liberal wing, continues to hold public events discussing her memoir, published in 2023. Additionally, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, appointed by Trump, is set to release her own book next month, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh plans to publish a book in the coming months. Justice Neil Gorsuch, the first nominee selected by Trump, published a book last year critiquing the expansion of federal laws and regulations.

The financial implications of these publishing ventures are notable. Supreme Court justices earn more than $300,000 annually but are limited to receiving around $30,000 in outside income each year. However, revenue from book sales is exempt from this cap, providing a lucrative incentive for justices to publish. Recent financial disclosures revealed that three justices reported substantial earnings from their books. Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the court, indicated earnings exceeding $2 million from her publisher, Penguin Random House. Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Gorsuch also reported six-figure earnings for their works.

In June, the financial disclosures of most justices were made public, but Alito sought an extension for his report, a practice he has consistently followed in previous years. Speculation regarding Alito’s potential retirement circulated after the Supreme Court’s term concluded in June, suggesting he might step down to allow Trump the opportunity to appoint another conservative justice. However, no announcement regarding his retirement has been made.

Alito’s upcoming book is expected to attract significant attention, especially given his reputation as a polarizing figure. While he enjoys considerable support among conservative circles, he faces sharp criticism from liberal factions. As he prepares to share his insights in written form, the legal and political communities will undoubtedly be watching closely.