Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. (1841-1935) was a prominent U.S. Supreme Court Justice known for his influential legal ideas and writings. Appointed in 1902, he served until 1932 and is famous for his pragmatic approach to law, emphasizing the importance of real-world consequences. Holmes believed that law should evolve with society and is best understood in context. He is often quoted for his saying, “The life of the law has not been logic; it has been experience,” reflecting his view that legal principles should be grounded in lived human experiences rather than abstract reasoning.