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2w ago

Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85

Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, Souter became a key liberal voice during his nearly two decades on the bench and continued serving on the First Circuit after retirement.

Supreme Court Associate Justice David H. Souter attends a news conference at the Supreme Court on May 28, 2003 in Washington, DC.
Supreme Court Justice David Souter in 1994.
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President George H. W. Bush announcing the nomination of David Souter to the Supreme Court in 1990.

Overview

  • David Hackett Souter, a former U.S. Supreme Court justice, passed away peacefully at his New Hampshire home on May 8, 2025, at the age of 85.
  • Nominated in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, Souter initially garnered conservative support but shifted to align with the Court's liberal wing on pivotal rulings, including abortion and civil rights cases.
  • Souter retired in 2009, allowing President Barack Obama to appoint Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina justice, to succeed him on the bench.
  • Known for his scholarly, precedent-driven approach, Souter eschewed Washington's social scene, preferring a quiet life in New Hampshire and continuing to serve on the First Circuit Court of Appeals for over a decade post-retirement.
  • Chief Justice John Roberts praised Souter's wisdom, kindness, and significant contributions to American jurisprudence, emphasizing his lasting impact on the Court and the judicial nomination process.