February 9, 2016
3 minute readPublished: Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 2:15 am
Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's Final Days: A Retrospective
In the wake of the passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, a look back at the events leading up to his death provides insight into his final weeks. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of *Sturgeon v. Frost* on January 20, 2016, a case concerning federal jurisdiction over a river in Alaska. The case involved a dispute over the use of a hovercraft in a national park. Following the arguments, the Court entered a month-long recess.
During this break, the justices engaged in various activities. Justice Scalia embarked on a trip to Asia. He delivered the Lee Kuan Yew Distinguished Lecture at the University of Singapore on judicial interpretation. He also participated in a dialogue on judges and democracy in Hong Kong. Additionally, he discussed his book, *Reading Law*, at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
On February 12, 2016, Justice Scalia checked into a resort in West Texas. He attended a private dinner that evening. The following morning, he was found dead in his room. He was seventy-nine years old at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
BNN's Perspective:
The death of Justice Scalia marked a significant moment in American legal history. His passing created a vacancy on the Supreme Court, sparking a political debate over the appointment of his successor. Justice Scalia's influence on legal thought and his impact on the Court will continue to be felt for years to come.
Keywords: Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court, Justice, *Sturgeon v. Frost*, Alaska, Hovercraft, Singapore, Hong Kong, Judicial Interpretation, Reading Law, Death, Legal History