David Souter, Former Supreme Court Justice Who Unexpectedly Joined the Liberal Minority, Dies at 85

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:38 pm

**Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85**

David Souter, a former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, has passed away at the age of 85. The Supreme Court confirmed the news, stating that Souter died peacefully at his home in New Hampshire on Thursday, May 8th. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Souter served on the court for 19 years, leaving a lasting impact.

Chief Justice John Roberts lauded Souter's "great distinction" and "uncommon wisdom and kindness" during his tenure. Despite being nominated by a Republican president, Souter often aligned with the liberal wing of the court, a surprise to many. He notably voted to uphold *Roe v. Wade* and opposed the decision to halt the Florida presidential recount in *Bush v. Gore*.

Born in Massachusetts in 1939, Souter had a distinguished academic background, attending Harvard College, Magdalen College, Oxford, and Harvard Law School. Before his Supreme Court appointment, he served as an assistant attorney general and deputy attorney general of New Hampshire, and later on the state's Superior and Supreme Courts. He also served on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Souter retired from the Supreme Court in 2009, at the age of 69, and was replaced by Justice Sonia Sotomayor. After retirement, he returned to New Hampshire and continued to serve on the First Circuit Court of Appeals until 2020. He was known for his thoughtful approach to the law and his concern for the impact of court decisions on individual lives. In 2012, he expressed concerns about "pervasive civic ignorance" and the potential threats to democracy.

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