Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter dies

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 4:15 pm

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85

David Souter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, has passed away at the age of 85. Appointed by Republican President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Souter was initially seen as a conservative "stealth nominee." However, he surprised many by becoming a more liberal voice on the court, often siding with the court's liberal wing.

During his 19 years on the bench, Souter supported abortion rights, voting to uphold Roe v. Wade in 1992 and later dissenting in the 2000 Bush v. Gore decision that decided the presidential election. He also voted to limit the death penalty and supported the legal rights of foreign terrorism suspects. Souter's decisions often disappointed conservatives, who had hoped he would overturn Roe v. Wade.

Known for his sharp intellect and reclusive nature, Souter retired in 2009, allowing Democratic President Barack Obama to appoint a justice. He was praised for his integrity, equanimity, and compassion. Souter's legacy is one of an independent jurist who prioritized reaching just results, often defying easy political labels. He was known for his love of reading and his aversion to the spotlight, preferring a quiet life away from the public eye.

BNN's Perspective: Justice Souter's career highlights the unpredictable nature of judicial appointments. While initially seen as a conservative pick, his evolution on the court underscores the importance of considering a judge's entire body of work and their commitment to the law, rather than relying on initial assumptions. His legacy serves as a reminder that judges, like all people, are complex and can evolve in their views over time.

Keywords: David Souter, Supreme Court, Justice, Obituary, Roe v. Wade, Bush v. Gore, Abortion Rights, Conservative, Liberal, George H.W. Bush, Barack Obama, Retirement, Judicial Appointment, Legal History, New Hampshire, Death, Obituary, Politics, Supreme Court Justice, Court Decisions

Full Story