Oliver Wendell Holmes was an influential American lawyer and jurist, best known for his time as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He served from 1902 to 1932 and became renowned for his clear and pragmatic legal opinions. Holmes was a strong advocate for free speech and often emphasized the importance of individual rights within the law. In addition to his legal career, Holmes was also a prominent writer and poet. He was part of the Transcendentalist movement and contributed to American literature with works that explored themes of nature and society. His dual legacy as a jurist and a literary figure has left a lasting impact on both fields.