Theodore B. Olson, Conservative Legal Icon Who Shaped Landmark Cases, Dies at 84

A Towering Legal Figure in Conservative Circles
Theodore B. Olson, a prominent conservative constitutional lawyer, passed away on November 13 at a hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. He was 84. Olson’s involvement in high-profile legal battles over his six-decade career left a profound impact on American jurisprudence. He argued the pivotal 2000 Florida vote recount case that solidified George W. Bush’s presidency and later joined a liberal former opponent in successfully challenging California’s 2008 ban on same-sex marriage.

An Esteemed Career in Private and Public Service
Olson’s death was announced by Gibson Dunn, the law firm where he was a partner. Over his career, Olson became known as one of the country’s leading appellate lawyers, holding high-level government positions as assistant attorney general under President Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1984 and later as solicitor general under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2004.

A Voice for Libertarian Conservatism
Throughout his career, Olson argued over 60 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, often championing individual freedoms and a distinct libertarian brand of conservatism. He defended freedom of the press, opposed race-based federal contracts, and advocated for the rights of young undocumented immigrants, known as “dreamers.”

The Historic 2000 Election Battle
Olson gained national attention in 2000 when he represented Bush in the contentious Florida recount, a case that ultimately determined the 43rd president. His successful arguments in Bush v. Gore underscored his exceptional legal acumen and solidified his reputation as a conservative stalwart.

A Lasting Legacy on American Law
Olson’s contributions to American law are far-reaching and transcendent of party lines. His influence will be remembered for generations, leaving an indelible legacy on the nation’s legal landscape.