David H. Souter, Republican Justice Who Allied With Court’s Liberal Wing, Dies at 85
David H. Souter, a former Supreme Court Justice appointed by Republican President George H.W. Bush, passed away on October 2, 2021 at the age of 85. Souter, who served on the Court from 1990 to 2009, was known for his independent and moderate judicial philosophy, often siding with the Court’s liberal wing on key decisions.
Born in Melrose, Massachusetts in 1939, Souter attended Harvard College and later Harvard Law School. After working in private practice and serving as the Attorney General of New Hampshire, he was appointed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court in 1983. In 1990, President Bush nominated Souter to the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy left by Justice William Brennan.
During his time on the Court, Souter developed a reputation as a thoughtful and principled jurist. While he was appointed by a Republican president, Souter often sided with the Court’s liberal justices on issues such as abortion rights, affirmative action, and the separation of church and state. He was known for his commitment to upholding the rule of law and his belief in the importance of judicial independence.
One of Souter’s most notable opinions came in the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey in 1992, where he joined with Justices Anthony Kennedy, Sandra Day O’Connor, and John Paul Stevens to uphold the central holding of Roe v. Wade. Souter’s support for abortion rights was seen as a departure from the conservative ideology of the Bush administration, and he faced criticism from some Republicans for his decision.
Despite his willingness to break with his party on certain issues, Souter remained a conservative in his approach to the law. He believed in the importance of interpreting the Constitution as a living document, capable of adapting to changing social norms and values. Souter was known for his thorough and thoughtful opinions, often writing lengthy and detailed analyses of the issues before the Court.
After retiring from the Supreme Court in 2009, Souter returned to New Hampshire, where he continued to live a quiet and private life. He was known for his humility and modesty, eschewing the trappings of fame and celebrity that often accompany a career in public service.
David H. Souter will be remembered as a principled and independent jurist, who sought to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all Americans. His legacy on the Supreme Court will endure for generations to come, as his opinions and decisions continue to shape the course of American jurisprudence.