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'Most Skilled Judge' in US History Dies at 87
Newser • • nation
Key Points:
- Richard Posner, a pioneering legal scholar and former federal appeals court judge known for integrating economic theory into legal analysis, has died at age 87.
- Serving nearly 40 years on the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals, Posner was recognized for his pragmatic approach to judging and was considered one of the most skilled judges in American history.
- Posner authored the influential 1973 textbook, The Economic Analysis of Law, and was the most-cited legal scholar in the latter half of the 20th century.
- His judicial rulings included landmark decisions supporting LGBT rights, such as extending Civil Rights Act protections to LGBT workers and overturning same-sex marriage bans.
- Beyond the bench, Posner was a prolific writer and outspoken critic of American institutions, notably calling the Supreme Court highly politicized in 2016.
