Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Dies at Age 79

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who last year earned a place on Lawdragon's inaugural "Legends" list for having made the Lawdragon 500 Leadings Lawyers in American guide in each of the first ten years it was published, was found dead on Saturday at a West Texas ranch.

"He has anchored the originalist wing of the court since 1986, applying a remarkable intellect and passionate conservatism to his jurisprudence," Lawdragon wrote in naming Scalia, who was 79, to the Legends guide.

In a statement, Chief Justice John Roberts said: "On behalf of the Court and retired Justices, I am saddened to report that our colleague Justice Antonin Scalia has passed away. He was an extraordinary individual and jurist, admired and treasured by his colleagues. His passing is a great loss to the Court and the country he so loyally served. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Maureen and his family."

President Obama added: "Justice Scalia dedicated his life to the cornerstone of our democracy: the rule of law. Tonight, we honor his extraordinary service to our nation and remember one of the towering legal figures of our time."