Several U.S. Supreme Court justices have died while in service, reshaping the Court and American law. This overview confirms dates of death, tenure, successors, and historical context for each vacancy. Justices include Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Antonin Scalia, Thurgood Marshall, and others whose passing prompted significant legal and political consequences. Below, a concise table summarizes key attributes, followed by a chronological breakdown and lasting influence on doctrine, procedure, and appointments.
Key Attributes at a Glance
| Justice | Date of Death | Tenure on Court | Appointed By | Successor | Confirmation Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruth Bader Ginsburg | September 18, 2020 | 1993–2020 | Bill Clinton | Amy Coney Barrett | 2020 |
| Antonin Scalia | February 13, 2016 | 1986–2016 | Ronald Reagan | Merrick Garland (nomination), Amy Coney Barrett (successor) | 2020 |
| Thurgood Marshall | January 24, 1993 | 1967–1991 | Lyndon B. Johnson | Clarence Thomas | 1991 |
| William H. Rehnquist | September 3, 2005 | 1972–2005 (Chief Justice from 1986) | Richard Nixon (Associate), Ronald Reagan (Chief) | John G. Roberts Jr. | 2005 |
| Earl Warren | July 9, 1974 | 1953–1969 | Dwight D. Eisenhower | Warren E. Burger | 1969 |
| Fred M. Vinson | September 8, 1953 | 1946–1953 | Harry S. Truman | Earl Warren | 1953 |
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: 1993–2020
Tenure and Death
Ruth Bader Ginsburg served from August 10, 1993, until her death on September 18, 2020. Her passing created the third vacancy of the 21st century and intensified debates about court size, timing of nominations, and the role of ideology in judicial selection. At the time of her death, the Court had a 5–4 conservative majority, which influenced the pace and outcome of many rulings.
Succession and Confirmation
President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett on September 26, 2020. The Senate confirmed Barrett on October 26, 2020, days before the presidential election. The swift confirmation marked a departure from prior norms and anchored a conservative wing that has shaped decisions on abortion, administrative law, and separation of powers.
Antonin Scalia: 1986–2016
Tenure and Death
Antonin Scalia served from September 26, 1986, until his death on February 13, 2016. A leading figure in originalism and textualism, Scalia influenced generations of judges and scholars. His sudden death at a Texas ranch left a vacant seat during a presidential election year.
Succession and Nomination Timeline
President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland on March 16, 2016. The Senate Judiciary Committee did not hold a full vote, and the nomination expired when the Senate did not act. The seat was eventually filled by Amy Coney Barrett in 2020, shifting the Court’s balance further to the right.
Thurgood Marshall: 1967–1991
Tenure and Death
Thurgood Marshall served from October 2, 1967, until his retirement on October 1, 1991. He was the first African American justice and a champion of civil rights. Marshall died of heart failure on January 24, 1993.
Succession and Confirmation
President George H. W. Bush nominated Clarence Thomas on July 1, 1911. The Senate confirmed Thomas on October 15, 1991. Thomas’s tenure has since become one of the longest in Court history, with jurisprudence often contrasted with Marshall’s legacy on equality and due process.
William H. Rehnquist: 1972–2005
Tenure and Death
Rehnquist served as an Associate Justice from 1972 until 1986, when he became Chief Justice. He remained Chief Justice until his death on September 3, 2005. His leadership shaped federalism doctrines and administrative law jurisprudence.
Succession and Confirmation
President George W. Bush nominated John G. Roberts Jr. on July 19, 2005. The Senate confirmed Roberts as Chief Justice on September 29, 2005. Roberts has since influenced the Court’s institutional standing and key statutory interpretations.
Earl Warren: 1953–1969
Tenure and Death
Earl Warren served as Chief Justice from 1953 to 1969. He is known for landmark rulings on school segregation, legislative apportionment, and criminal procedure. Warren died on July 9, 1974.
Succession and Confirmation
President Richard Nixon nominated Warren E. Burger on May 12, 1969. The Senate confirmed Burger on June 9, 1969. Burger’s tenure focused on institutional reform and efforts to manage a large and ideologically diverse Court.