Chairman Levi: Statement on the Death of Justice Antonin Scalia

I am deeply saddened by the death of this significant jurist who leaves behind a profound legacy on the Supreme Court and American jurisprudence. Those of us who were privileged to know him appreciated his enormous intellect, lively personality, long record of public service, and great devotion to his friends and family. At the Legal Services Corporation's 40th Anniversary Conference in 2014, he powerfully expressed his deep commitment to the principle of equal access to justice and his words there will be long remembered and cherished:

"The American ideal is not for some justice, it is as the Pledge of Allegiance says, ‘Liberty and justice for all,’ or as the Supreme Court pediment has it, ‘equal justice.’ I’ve always thought that’s somewhat redundant.  Can there be justice if it is not equal?  Can there be a just society when some do not have justice? Equality, equal treatment is perhaps the most fundamental element of justice.”

I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Maureen, and their family.