Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes was an influential American jurist who served on the Supreme Court from 1902 to 1932. Known for his clear and pragmatic legal reasoning, he played a significant role in shaping modern American law. His opinions often emphasized the importance of free speech and the limits of government power. Holmes is perhaps best known for his famous phrase, "clear and present danger," which he used to define the boundaries of free expression. His legacy includes a commitment to the idea that law should evolve with society, making him a key figure in the development of legal thought in the United States.