Though he's famous for his time on the bench, I believe he'll be remembered by later generations as a gifted and prolific author -- "The Problems of Jurisprudence," in particular, is perhaps the best contemporary review of the philosophy of law.

In later life, Posner supported endeavors to improve access to justice for the common man -- and he railed against the pay-to-win nature of today's American courts in civil litigation. This turned some of his old friends into enemies, and it's to Posner's credit that he nevertheless pursued this course.

RIP.