Remembering Justice David H. Souter: A Surprise Liberal on the Supreme Court
Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, known for his surprise shift to the court's liberal wing, has passed away at 85.
Bush's advisers assured the president that Souter would move the court to the right — a misreading that continues to reverberate today.
In pictures: Supreme Court Justice David Souter | Politics
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Souter’s conservatism, however, was moderate, and hardliners were dismayed by his 1992 Roe v Wade affirmation.
Former US supreme court justice David Souter dies aged 85
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Today, the court is more precisely split along party lines.
Retired Justice David Souter is dead at 85. Why there won't be another like him.
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Souter joined Justices Sandra Day O'Connor, John Paul Stevens, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer in allowing the narrowly tailored use of race in admissions decisions.
David Souter, retired Supreme Court justice, dies at age 85
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Souter was a reliably liberal vote on abortion, church-state relations, freedom of expression and the accessibility of federal courts.
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican who became a liberal darling, has died
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In retirement, Souter warned that ignorance of how government works could undermine American democracy.
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Souter was unconventional in other ways beyond his ideological independence.
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter dies at 85
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In retirement, Souter warned that ignorance of how government works could undermine American democracy.
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican who became a liberal darling, dies at 85
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Though the George H.W. Bush White House hoped he would be a strong conservative voice on the court, Souter’s jurisprudence later aligned more closely with the court’s liberal wing.
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies At 85
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Souter was described by the Associated Press as a "reliably liberal vote on abortion, church-state relations, freedom of expression and the accessibility of federal courts."
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter dead at 85
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Souter’s background as a New England moderate put him at odds with the more conservative Republican Party forged by Ronald Reagan’s presidency.
David Souter, former GOP Supreme Court justice who often sided with liberals, dies
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NBC News·6d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Yet for all his reserve, Souter was beloved by colleagues, court employees and friends.
Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican who became a liberal favorite, dies at 85
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Souter will be known wholly for doing the unexpected by becoming one of the most liberal justices on the court.
Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter, Who Vexed Conservatives, Dies At 85
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Summary
David H. Souter, who served nearly twenty years on the Supreme Court, passed away at 85. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, he unexpectedly became a key liberal vote, influencing landmark decisions on abortion and civil rights. Souter remained a private figure, shunning Washington's social scene, preferring to return to his beloved New Hampshire after retirement. His legacy includes notable contributions to judicial thought and warnings about ignorance in democracy, reflecting a life dedicated to public service and intellectual rigor.
Perspectives
Justice David Souter, appointed in 1990 by Republican George H.W. Bush, served nearly 20 years on the Supreme Court and became known for his alignment with the court's liberal wing on issues such as abortion and civil rights.
Souter's retirement in 2009 allowed President Obama to nominate Sonia Sotomayor, marking a shift in ideological makeup on the court.
Throughout his life, Souter emphasized the importance of civic knowledge to preserve democracy, warning against a populace that does not know its government and could be swayed by autocratic leaders.