Justice Samuel Alito to Publish Book in 2024 Amid Literary Wave

Justice Samuel Alito, a prominent member of the United States Supreme Court, is set to publish a new book next year. This announcement comes as several of his colleagues have recently signed literary deals, reflecting a growing trend among justices to share their insights through published works. Alito, appointed to the Supreme Court by former President George W. Bush, is one of the court’s most senior justices and a consistent conservative voice.

The book will be released under the Basic Liberty imprint, a part of Basic Books, although the specific focus and title of the book have not yet been disclosed. Throughout his tenure, Alito has been known for his conservative rulings, including his significant role in the court’s landmark decision in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade.

Growing Trend Among Supreme Court Justices

Alito joins a roster of justices who have recently ventured into publishing. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the court, has been actively promoting her memoir written last year. Meanwhile, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, also appointed by Trump, will release her book next month and is preparing for promotional events. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, another Trump nominee, is also expected to publish a book in the near future. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who was Trump’s first nominee, published a book last year discussing the proliferation of federal laws and regulations.

The financial aspects of these publishing endeavors are noteworthy. Justices earn salaries exceeding $300,000 annually but are restricted to approximately $30,000 in outside income. However, revenue generated from book sales is exempt from this income cap, providing an incentive for justices to write. In their annual financial disclosures, three justices reported significant earnings from their published works. For instance, Jackson reported over $2 million from Penguin Random House, while Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Gorsuch listed six-figure earnings for their respective books.

Speculation on Alito’s Future

Alito’s upcoming book could attract considerable attention, given his influential position and the polarized views surrounding his judicial philosophy. A former federal prosecutor and appeals court judge, Alito is well-regarded by conservative circles but often faces sharp criticism from liberal factions. There was speculation regarding his potential retirement following the Supreme Court’s recent term, which ended in June, particularly considering the Republican majority in the Senate that could facilitate the appointment of another conservative justice. Despite these rumors, Alito did not announce any plans to step down.

As the literary endeavors of Supreme Court justices continue to unfold, Alito’s forthcoming book is likely to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the judiciary’s role and the personal perspectives of those who serve at its highest level.