Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter Passes Away at 85

Justice David Souter passed away at his home in New Hampshire on Thursday, as announced by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Chief Justice John Roberts shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, “Justice David Souter served our Court with great distinction for nearly twenty years. He brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service.” Souter, appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, dedicated over 19 years on the bench before retiring in 2009. Post-retirement, he remained active, frequently serving on the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Roberts emphasized Souter’s continued contributions, noting, “After retiring to his beloved New Hampshire, he continued to render significant service.” Despite his Republican appointment, Souter often aligned with liberal justices, notably co-authoring an opinion in the landmark 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey that upheld Roe v. Wade. He also dissented in the pivotal Bush v. Gore ruling, asserting the court lacked authority to intervene in the recount process.

Souter’s advocacy extended to pressing social issues; he championed LGBTQ rights, authoring the unanimous opinion in the 1995 case Hurley v. Irish-American Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston, which deemed the exclusion of LGBTQ groups from a parade unconstitutional. His retirement paved the way for President Barack Obama to appoint Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Mark Jia, a Georgetown Law professor who clerked for both Souter and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, described him as “a person of great modesty and integrity.” Souter was known for his quiet lifestyle and strong connection to New Hampshire.

In a 2012 appearance, Souter expressed concern over civic ignorance fostering discord in American politics. He warned that neglecting societal issues could lead to citizens losing accountability for their governance. “When problems are not addressed, people will not know who is responsible,” he remarked, drawing parallels to the fall of the Roman Republic.

He underscored the importance of civic education, advocating for reforms in New Hampshire’s curriculum to enhance public understanding of the government. As Souter’s legacy is remembered, his commitment to justice and civic awareness remains a beacon for future generations.