Scalia is remembered as devoted friend who attacked ideas, not people
Justice Antonin Scalia was remembered at a memorial service on Tuesday as a man who was devoted to his friends; a stickler for good writing; a fast driver behind the wheel; and a lover of baseball, opera, red wine and anchovy pizza.
All eight current Supreme Court justices attended the service, along with Scalia’s family members and former clerks, report the New York Times, USA Today, the Associated Press and the Washington Post. Scalia died on Feb. 13 at the age of 79.
Justice Clarence Thomas choked up during his comments. He described “an unbreakable bond of trust and deep affection” with Scalia, according to the New York Times account. Thomas sat between Scalia and Justice Stephen G. Breyer during oral arguments. “I loved the back and forth that took place,” Thomas said, “especially the passing of notes from Steve to Nino and Nino to Steve.” Thomas recalled that Scalia would mutter and comment during arguments, leaning back in his chair and asking, “Brother Clarence, what do you think?”
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg recalled how Scalia explained his friendship with her despite their disagreement on so many issues. According to Ginsburg, Scalia said: “I attack ideas. I don’t attack people. Some very good people have some very bad ideas.”
The Washington Post story considers whether Scalia was the most social Supreme Court justice. “He was certainly unusual: extroverted, confident, quick to laugh, accessible,” the story says. “Even people who fundamentally disagreed with his decisions concede that he was a great charmer. Plain and simple, the man loved a good party.”
