David Souter dies at 85, leaving a complex legacy on the Supreme Court

David Souter, the former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, passed away at his home in New Hampshire at the age of 85. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Souter served on the court for nearly two decades before retiring in 2009. During his tenure, he was known for aligning with the liberal wing of the court, notably voting to uphold abortion rights in significant cases such as Planned Parenthood v. Casey. After his retirement, he continued his service in the judiciary by hearing cases on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for over a decade, demonstrating his commitment to public service even outside of the Supreme Court. His departure from the bench paved the way for President Barack Obama to appoint Sonia Sotomayor, reflecting the shifting political landscape of the court in subsequent years. Souter's legacy is marked by his judicial moderation, advocacy for civics education, and his deep concern for civic knowledge, which he believed was vital for a healthy democracy. He remained an introspective figure throughout his career, often eschewing the spotlight and maintaining a preference for solitude and contemplation over the political hustle of Washington, D.C., setting him apart from many of his contemporaries.