The U.S. Supreme Court has had many justices who served for decades, shaping the country’s legal landscape in profound ways. Some of these justices are remembered not only for their longevity but also for the impact they had on landmark cases and legal principles. This article highlights the longest-serving justices in Supreme Court history, offering a closer look at their time on the bench, their major contributions, and the legacies they left behind. From their appointments to their retirements, they defined eras of American jurisprudence with their unique perspectives and influential rulings.
David Souter
David Souter served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 19 years, 5 months, and 10 days, from October 9, 1990, until his retirement on June 29, 2009. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, he was initially considered a conservative, but his rulings often defied easy ideological classification, earning him a reputation as an unpredictable and thoughtful justice. He played a key role in decisions such as Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which reaffirmed the constitutional right to abortion, and Bush v. Gore (2000), which decided the contested 2000 presidential election. Known for his intellectual rigor, he frequently wrote opinions that addressed the larger philosophical implications of legal issues. He was a staunch defender of the Constitution’s protections for individual rights and was reluctant to judicially impose his personal views on the law.
Louis Brandeis
Louis Brandeis served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 22 years, from 1916 until his retirement in 1939. Appointed by President Woodrow Wilson, he was the first Jewish justice in the Court’s history. He was known for his progressive views, particularly on issues of privacy, labor rights, and antitrust law. His opinions helped shape modern American jurisprudence, and he was a champion of individual liberties and a critic of unchecked corporate power. One of his most influential decisions was in Olmstead v. United States (1928), where he argued that the government’s wiretapping without a warrant violated the Fourth Amendment’s protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Despite being one of the more liberal justices of his time, he often took a restrained approach, emphasizing the importance of judicial restraint and deference to elected officials. His impact was felt beyond his time on the Court; he remained an influential figure in legal circles and public policy debates until his death in 1941.
Stephen Breyer
Stephen Breyer served on the Supreme Court for 27 years and 3 months, from July 29, 1994, until his retirement on June 30, 2022. Appointed by President Bill Clinton, he was known for his pragmatic, centrist views and his emphasis on the practical effects of judicial decisions. He was a strong proponent of judicial restraint, preferring to avoid broad rulings when possible. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to decisions that shaped the Court’s approach to issues like campaign finance, abortion, and government regulation. His work in cases such as Stenberg v. Carhart (2000) reflected his belief in protecting personal freedoms, while his opinions in Bush v. Gore (2000) and National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius (2012) showcased his support for government power in certain contexts. He was widely respected for his thoughtful, measured approach to law, and he was an influential voice in the Court’s liberal wing. After stepping down in 2022, he continued to write and speak on legal matters, advocating for reforms to the U.S. judicial system.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg served for 27 years and 6 months on the U.S. Supreme Court, from August 10, 1993, until her passing on September 18, 2020. Appointed by President Bill Clinton, she quickly became known for her tireless work on issues relating to gender equality, civil liberties, and workers’ rights. Throughout her tenure, she became a feminist icon, earning a reputation for writing passionate dissents in important cases, including Shelby County v. Holder (2013) and Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores (2014). She was a strong advocate for expanding the rights of women and marginalized groups, and her legal work was instrumental in advancing gender equality in the United States. Despite facing significant health challenges in her later years, including multiple bouts with cancer, she continued to serve until her death. She became a pop culture phenomenon, earning the affectionate nickname “The Notorious R.B.G.” Her influence on the Court was profound, and her death in 2020 left a significant void in the judicial landscape.
Antonin Scalia
Antonin Scalia served for 29 years, 11 months, and 6 days on the U.S. Supreme Court, from September 26, 1986, until his death on February 13, 2016. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he quickly became known for his fiery and often combative style, as well as his staunch defense of originalism and textualism. His opinions were often marked by a deep skepticism toward judicial activism, and he opposed attempts to interpret the Constitution in ways he believed deviated from its original meaning. His major influence was felt in cases like District of Columbia v. Heller (2008), where he interpreted the Second Amendment to affirm an individual’s right to bear arms. His witty, sometimes acerbic writing style and his willingness to engage in intellectual battles made him a polarizing figure on the Court. He was a passionate advocate for the separation of powers and often expressed concerns about judicial overreach. After his death in 2016, his legacy lived on through his legal writings and his impact on shaping the Court’s conservative leanings.
Anthony Kennedy
Anthony Kennedy served on the Supreme Court for 30 years, 5 months, and 28 days, from February 18, 1988, until his retirement on July 31, 2018. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, Kennedy became known as a crucial swing vote in many of the Court’s most important cases, particularly in the areas of civil rights, gay marriage, and abortion. His pivotal role in landmark decisions such as Romer v. Evans (1996) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which legalized same-sex marriage, cemented his reputation as a defender of individual rights. His judicial philosophy was marked by a commitment to personal liberty, and he often emphasized the importance of human dignity in his opinions. While generally conservative in many areas, his evolving views on civil liberties made him a key voice in decisions that shaped the Court’s approach to equality and privacy. He was a decisive figure in the Court’s evolution during the 21st century, often providing the fifth vote that determined the outcome of crucial cases. After stepping down, his legacy continues to shape discussions around judicial balance and the future direction of the Supreme Court.
Byron White
Byron White served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 31 years, from April 16, 1962, until his retirement on June 28, 1993. Appointed by President John F. Kennedy, he was known for his independent and often unpredictable judicial philosophy. Early in his tenure, he was considered a moderate to conservative voice on the Court, but over time, he became more liberal, particularly on issues such as civil rights and criminal justice. He was a key player in decisions like Miranda v. Arizona (1966), which expanded the rights of the accused, and he played an important role in interpreting the Constitution during a time of significant social change. His career included an early emphasis on sports, having been an All-American football player, and his athletic background often influenced his approach to legal reasoning. Known for his quiet demeanor, he was a respected figure who built strong, if often understated, coalitions with his colleagues. Upon his retirement, he was widely regarded as a fair-minded and influential justice, although his later years on the Court were characterized by some friction with the more liberal members.
Clarence Thomas
Clarence Thomas, the second longest-serving current justice on the Court, has been serving for over 32 years. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, he was confirmed by the Senate on July 1, 1991, and took his seat on October 23, 1991. Known for his conservative judicial philosophy, he has become a staunch advocate for originalism and textualism, often rejecting the concept of a “living Constitution.” Over the years, he has consistently voted to limit the scope of federal government power, and his decisions on issues like affirmative action, abortion, and gun rights have cemented his reputation as a leading conservative voice. Despite rarely speaking during oral arguments, he has written numerous influential opinions, becoming a central figure in shaping the Court’s direction. His tenure has been marked by a commitment to judicial restraint and an emphasis on interpreting the Constitution as it was originally understood. In 2024, he remains an active member of the Supreme Court, with no signs of retiring soon.
John Paul Stevens
John Paul Stevens served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 34 years, 6 months, and 10 days. Appointed by President Gerald Ford, he took the oath of office on December 19, 1975, and retired on June 29, 2010. Known for his independent and moderate views, he played a significant role in many landmark decisions on issues such as campaign finance, the death penalty, and voting rights. He was a vocal critic of the Court’s conservative leanings, particularly after the 2000s, and advocated for civil liberties throughout his tenure. One of his most notable decisions was in Boumediene v. Bush (2008), where he championed the rights of detainees held at Guantanamo Bay. Despite his liberal views, he often demonstrated a practical approach to legal issues, favoring careful deliberation over ideological positions. After his retirement, he continued to influence legal debates through his books and public commentary, especially on the importance of maintaining judicial independence.
William O. Douglas
William O. Douglas served for an unparalleled 36 years and 211 days, making him the longest-serving Supreme Court justice in U.S. history. He was appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, taking his seat on April 17, 1939, and served until his forced retirement on November 12, 1975. He was known for his vigorous defense of civil liberties, privacy rights, and environmental issues. His opinions in landmark cases such as Griswold v. Connecticut (1965) helped establish broader rights to privacy under the Constitution. Over the years, he became known for his progressive stances and his outspoken criticisms of governmental power. He also developed a unique legal philosophy, arguing that “nature” itself had legal rights, and he often wrote in favor of protecting the environment. His tenure was marked by his vigorous defense of individual freedoms, and he left a lasting legacy on the Court before retiring due to health issues.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
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