Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1902 to 1932. He is commonly known for his influential opinions on civil liberties, labor rights, and constitutional law.

#### Birth and Death Dates
Holmes was born on March 8, 1841, in Boston, Massachusetts. He passed away on March 6, 1935, at the age of 93.

#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Holmes was a naturalized citizen of the United States, born to a British father and an American mother. Throughout his life, he worked as a lawyer, soldier, and jurist.

#### Early Life and Background
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. came from a prominent family with strong ties to the intellectual and artistic world. His father, Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., was a physician, poet, and essayist who co-founded the Atlantic Monthly magazine. The younger Holmes grew up in Boston and attended Phillips Academy before enrolling at Harvard University, where he studied law.

During his time at Harvard, Holmes developed an interest in philosophy, particularly the ideas of John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham. He graduated from law school in 1864 and went on to serve as a private in the Union Army during the Civil War. After being wounded in combat, Holmes spent several years recovering and later returned to his studies.

#### Major Accomplishments
Holmes's career was marked by significant accomplishments, including:

Serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court from 1902 to 1932, where he became known for his progressive opinions on civil liberties and constitutional law.
Advocating for workers' rights and challenging the Lochner-era doctrine that restricted government regulation of business and industry.
Writing influential dissenting opinions in cases like Schenck v. United States (1919) and Abrams v. United States (1919), which helped to establish the free speech clause of the First Amendment.

#### Notable Works or Actions
Holmes's notable works include:

His opinion in Buck v. Bell (1927), where he upheld a Virginia law that allowed for the forced sterilization of individuals deemed "unfit" to reproduce.
* His dissenting opinion in Lochner v. New York (1905), which challenged the constitutionality of a state law regulating working hours in bakeries.

#### Impact and Legacy
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.'s impact on American jurisprudence is still felt today. He played a crucial role in shaping the Supreme Court's approach to civil liberties, labor rights, and constitutional law. His opinions continue to influence contemporary debates over issues like gun control, abortion, and same-sex marriage.

Holmes's legacy extends beyond his judicial decisions. He was a prolific writer who published numerous essays and articles on topics ranging from philosophy to politics. His writings offer valuable insights into the intellectual and cultural currents of his time.

#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. is widely quoted and remembered for his eloquent and thought-provoking opinions, which continue to inspire debates over issues like civil liberties, labor rights, and constitutional law. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of judicial independence, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to the principles of justice and equality.

Holmes's words have become a source of inspiration for many, including his famous quote: "The theory of our Constitution is, that every necessary and proper part of the general welfare shall be provided for by the General Government."