Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1902 to 1932. Holmes is one of the most widely cited Supreme Court justices and among the most influential American judges in history, noted for his long service, pithy opinions—particularly those on civil liberties and American constitutional democracy—and deference to the decisions of elected legislatures. Holmes retired from the court at the age of 90, an unbeaten record for oldest justice on the Supreme Court. He previously served as a Brevet Colonel in the American Civil War, in which he was wounded three times, as an associate justice and chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and as Weld Professor of Law at his alma mater, Harvard Law School. His positions, distinctive personality, and writing style made him a popular figure, especially with American progressives.
Justice Holmes c. 1930
Holmes in his uniform, 1861
In the year of his appointment to the US Supreme Court
Stamp issued by the U.S. Post Office, 1978
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States
An associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States is a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, other than the chief justice of the United States. The number of associate justices is eight, as set by the Judiciary Act of 1869.
Clarence Thomas, since October 23, 1991
Samuel Alito, since January 31, 2006
Sonia Sotomayor, since August 8, 2009
Elena Kagan, since August 7, 2010