Samuel Alito Quotations

The most important quality for a judge is open- mindedness to the arguments.

I think that what my parents taught me about hard work, optimism and education still holds true.

Part of me wanted to get a graduate degree in political science. Had I done that, I suppose I would have become a college professor.

When I entered college, I thought that I wanted to be a lawyer, but by the time I was set to graduate, I was not too sure of that.

My parents grew up in poor families where little English was spoken, they both went to college and became teachers. They believed that anything was possible with hard work, and they particularly stressed the importance of education. They instilled that same belief in my sister and me.

Many people have been positive influences in my life. My parents, whom I mentioned, were the most important, but many of my teachers were also a big help to me.

I learned that hard work and self-discipline can overcome many obstacles.

All of my grandparents came to the United States from Italy during the early years of the 20th century. I believe that my grandparents came here to take advantage of the opportunities furnished by a growing country with an open society.

When I had my confirmation hearing for the Court of Appeals, [my son] Philip was 3 years old. And when I was called up to the chair he took it upon himself to run up and sit next to me in case any hard questions came up.

If you want know what sort of a justice I would make, then look at what sort of a judge I have been.