Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter dead at age 85

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 1:26 pm

David Souter, Former Supreme Court Justice, Dies at 85

Former Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, a figure known for his quiet demeanor and commitment to public service, has passed away at the age of 85. The Supreme Court announced his death on Friday, stating he died peacefully at his home. Souter served on the highest court in the land from 1990 to 2009, leaving a lasting impact on American jurisprudence.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts, reflecting on Souter's tenure, praised his "uncommon wisdom and kindness." After retiring, Souter remained active in the legal field, continuing to serve on the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for over a decade.

Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Souter had a distinguished career in New Hampshire, serving as a judge on the state's Supreme Court and as the state's attorney general. His time on the U.S. Supreme Court was marked by a moderate approach, often aligning with the court's liberal wing on key issues.

Notable cases where Souter's influence was felt include his dissent in *Bush v. Gore*, where he disagreed with the court's decision to halt the Florida ballot recount in the 2000 presidential election. He also voted to uphold *Roe v. Wade*, the landmark case establishing a woman's right to an abortion. Furthermore, Souter sided with the majority in *Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe*, which addressed prayer in schools, and *Roper v. Simmons*, which concerned the death penalty for juvenile offenders. He also supported affirmative action in *Grutter v. Bollinger*.

BNN's Perspective: Justice Souter's legacy is one of thoughtful deliberation and a commitment to the law. While his moderate stance sometimes placed him at odds with both conservative and liberal factions, his dedication to public service and his willingness to engage with complex legal issues are commendable. His passing marks the end of an era, and his contributions to American legal history will be remembered.

Keywords: David Souter, Supreme Court, Justice, death, obituary, Roe v. Wade, Bush v. Gore, Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, Roper v. Simmons, Grutter v. Bollinger, moderate, First Circuit, New Hampshire, John G. Roberts, retirement, legal, jurisprudence.

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