The towering legal figures of our time. Justice scalia was 79 his death at a texas ranch came without warning. And it came in the middle of Landmark Court calendar with nothing less than the boundaries of president ial power under review. His passing sets the power. On a polarized bench. He was as well known for his sense of humor as his fiery dissents the on issues ranging from affirmative action and abortion. To gun ownership and free speech not to mention law not the intent of the i, Antonin Scalia do solemnly the land on issues ranging from affirmative action and abortion. To gun ownership and free speech not to mention obamacare. But he was a firm proponent of the letter of the law not the intent of the founding fathers. nats file 1986 i, Antonin Scalia do solemnly appointed in 1986 by president ronald reagan. He was known as an unapologetic but fair conservative. sot justice Antonin Scalia, 1986 confirmation hearing 1 13 unanimously 98tozero by the senate an unlikely scenario for