An undeniable giant in the legal world, U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas’s enduring legacy was his advocacy for the environment.

He emerged as a true citizen justice through his speeches and articles warning against environmental dangers like logging, highway construction, and pollution. Justice Douglas’ actions were admired by conservation groups but often raised ethical dilemmas among his colleagues at the Supreme Court.

Judge M. Margaret McKeown offers an insightful look at the lasting contributions that Justice Douglas made to both the physical environment and environmental law and how his work lives on today.