Introduction

Despite his controversial and often sharp public persona, Justice Antonin Scalia was known to be a warm and multifaceted individual, as reported by those who knew him intimately. This article delves into the personal side of Justice Scalia and explores different experiences shared by individuals who had the privilege of interacting with him.

Warm Side of Justice Scalia

Many who have interacted with Justice Scalia describe him as a warm and amiable person. For instance, several of his law students and colleagues recall Scalia's friendly and approachable nature. These insights contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the man behind the controversial opinions and rhetoric.

Ancient Law School Story

While attending law school, I had the unique opportunity to interact with Justice Scalia during a reception following one of his lectures. Approaching him with a card for a classmate, I asked him to sign it. His enthusiasm and eagerness to sign the card demonstrated his approachable and kind nature.

Liberal Professor's Perspective

A canonical story comes from one of my former law professors, a man I deeply admire. Despite his liberal views, he found it impossible to dislike Justice Scalia due to his charisma. In another instance, a colleague mentioned how Scalia moderated the more extreme views of his colleague, Judge Thomas, aligning him as a moderating force within the court.

Charismatic Public Figure

During a youth conference in early 2000, Justice Scalia addressed a courtroom full of high school students. The stark contrast between his public persona and his demeanor in this setting was striking. His acerbic and pointed questions at oral arguments were famous, but in this context, he was incredibly kind and patient, eager to provide detailed explanations of legal principles.

Engaging with Young Minds

During the conference, a student presented a challenging question regarding the Second Amendment. Instead of mocking the query, Scalia engaged with the young man, offering a detailed interpretation that respected the text. This encounter was particularly revealing, highlighting Scalia's approachable and educational side while entertaining the fear among lawyers and law students of his sharp tongue.

Personal Relations

Another significant portrayal of Scalia's personality comes from a friend who regularly played tennis with the justice. This individual described Scalia as charming, modest, and clever, emphasizing that they never discussed politics during their games. These observations underscore Scalia's ability to separate his professional role from his personal life.

Colleague's Testimony

A colleague who spoke with Scalia during a lecture at my school highlighted another side of him. Scalia was known for his sharp wit and acidic public comments, but he also demonstrated a warmth and charm that made it challenging for some to hold negative opinions of him.

The Controversial Justice

Justice Scalia was known for views on cases such as Bush v. Gore, where he decided the case hurriedly. In a later interview, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor criticized Scalia for this decision. A story shared from a personal interaction reveals a more playful and smart-alecky side of the justice, describing his one-word answer and subsequent interaction with a student.

Conclusion

Despite the criticisms and polarizing nature of his opinions, this article exemplifies the more personal and approachable side of Justice Scalia. His ability to connect with students, colleagues, and even those who opposed him on political grounds speaks to his multifaceted character. While Scalia’s legacy remains controversial, his personal interactions reveal a person with a warmth and intelligence beyond his public persona.