Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.
2 min readApr 27, 2024

Unveiling the Partisan Veil: A Personal Critique of Justice Alito’s Jurisprudence

In the realm of the Supreme Court, where justice is meant to transcend personal biases, Justice Samuel Alito stands as a divisive figure, his rulings often clouded by a shadow of resentment and inadequacy. This critique aims to dissect Justice Alito’s judicial approach, suggesting that his upbringing and cognitive development may have left him mired in the concrete operational phase, as proposed by Piaget.

*The Early Years: A Foundation of Bias*

Born into a conservative household, Justice Alito’s formative years were undoubtedly influenced by the values and beliefs of his upbringing. However, it appears that these influences have shaped not a well-rounded individual capable of impartial judgment, but rather a jurist entrenched in partisan fervor.

*Stunted Growth: Piaget’s Theory in Action*

According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, individuals progress through four stages of mental growth, culminating in formal operational thinking, characterized by abstract reasoning and moral understanding. However, it seems that Justice Alito has failed to transcend the concrete operational phase, where thinking remains limited to tangible experiences and lacks the ability to consider abstract concepts.

*Case Studies: A Portrait of Inadequacy*

  1. **Citizens United v. FEC (2010):** In his majority opinion in Citizens United, Justice Alito displayed a stunning lack of foresight and moral reasoning. By equating corporate spending with free speech, he perpetuated a system of institutionalized inequality, where the voices of the wealthy drown out those of ordinary citizens.

2. **Obergefell v. Hodges (2015):** Justice Alito’s dissent in Obergefell revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of human dignity and equality. His insistence on denying same-sex couples the right to marry reflects not a commitment to legal principles, but a failure to grasp the evolving norms of a progressive society.

3. **Shelby County v. Holder (2013):** In Shelby County, Justice Alito’s disregard for the Voting Rights Act betrayed a narrow-mindedness that belies his purported commitment to justice. By striking down key provisions of the Act, he effectively disenfranchised millions of voters, perpetuating systemic racism and inequality.

*Conclusion: A Call for Growth and Reflection*

In conclusion, Justice Alito’s jurisprudence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of intellectual stagnation and moral inadequacy. As the highest court in the land grapples with complex legal issues, it is imperative that its justices rise above personal biases and embrace the principles of fairness and equality. Only through self-reflection and intellectual growth can Justice Alito hope to transcend the concrete operational phase and fulfill his duty to uphold the rule of law.

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This article provides a critical analysis of Justice Alito’s jurisprudence, suggesting that his upbringing and cognitive development may have contributed to a lack of moral reasoning and intellectual growth.

Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.
Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.

Written by Keith Lockwood, Ph.D.

ASL teacher, Teacher of the Deaf, Keith is also a New Jersey based genealogist specializing in British, Irish and Italian genealogy and citizenship reclamation.

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