Antonin Scalia was an influential American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1986 until his death in 2016. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, he was known for his strong conservative views and his originalist approach to interpreting the Constitution, which emphasized understanding the text as it was originally intended. Scalia was a prominent figure in many landmark cases, often advocating for limited government and individual liberties. His legal philosophy and sharp wit made him a notable presence on the Court, and he frequently engaged in spirited debates with his colleagues, particularly those with differing viewpoints.