Samuel Alito to Publish New Book in 2024, Joining Fellow Justices

Justice Samuel Alito, a prominent member of the United States Supreme Court, is set to release a book in 2024. This announcement comes as several of his colleagues have recently secured publishing deals. Alito, who was appointed to the court by President George W. Bush, is known for his conservative stances and significant influence within the court.

The book will be published under the Basic Liberty imprint, a division of Basic Books. While the specific title and focus of the book remain undisclosed, Alito’s history on the court suggests it will reflect his judicial philosophy. He has been a steadfast conservative voice, particularly noted for his pivotal role in the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, a landmark ruling that had established a constitutional right to abortion.

Alito’s decision to write a book aligns him with a growing trend among Supreme Court justices who are exploring literary ventures. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who represents the court’s liberal wing, has been actively promoting her memoir published last year. Similarly, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, appointed by Trump during his first term, will release her own book next month, accompanied by promotional events this fall. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, another Trump appointee, is also preparing to publish in the coming months, while Justice Neil Gorsuch released a book last year discussing federal regulations.

Books have become a lucrative opportunity for justices, who earn over $300,000 annually but face restrictions on outside income—limited to approximately $30,000 per year. Book revenues are exempt from this cap, providing a financial incentive for justices to publish. In their annual financial disclosure statements released in June 2023, three justices reported substantial earnings from book royalties. Jackson disclosed earnings exceeding $2 million from Penguin Random House, while both Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Gorsuch reported six-figure income from their written works.

Alito has previously sought extensions to file his financial disclosures, a pattern he has maintained in past years. His forthcoming book could attract significant interest, given his reputation as a leading conservative voice on the court. Speculation regarding Alito’s potential retirement surfaced at the end of the court’s most recent term in June 2023, especially with the Republican majority in the Senate, which would allow Trump to appoint another conservative justice. However, no retirement announcement was made.

As Alito prepares to enter the literary world, his book is poised to contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the Supreme Court and its influence on American law and society.