James Lane Buckley (1923–2023) was an American politician, jurist, diplomat, and author known for his conservative leadership and contributions to U.S. governance. He served as a U.S. Senator from New York (1971–77,) held roles in the Reagan administration, and later became a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (1985–96.)
Born in New York City, Buckley earned a B.A. from Yale University (1943) and an LLB (1949.) He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, then practiced law before entering politics. In 1970, he won a Senate seat as a Conservative Party candidate, defeating Republican and Democratic opponents.
Buckley championed limited government, free-market policies, and national security. He later served as Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs (1981–82) and President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (1982–85.)
His books include Saving Congress from Itself: Emancipating the States & Empowering Their People (2014,) critiquing federal overreach, and Gleanings of a Conservative (1980,) a collection of political essays.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by James L. Buckley
In the last analysis, of course, an oath will encourage fidelity in office only to the degree that officeholders continue to believe that they cannot escape ultimate accountability for a breach of faith.
—James L. Buckley
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