Justice David H. Souter, A Voice for Liberalism on the Supreme Court, Dies at 85

David H. Souter, Former Supreme Court Justice, Passes Away at 85

David H. Souter, a Republican justice who surprisingly often sided with the court’s liberal wing during his 19 years on the Supreme Court, has died at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully at his home in Concord, New Hampshire, according to an announcement from the Supreme Court on Friday.

Souter, a private man who never married and preferred evenings with a good book to Washington society, retired at the relatively young age of 69 to return to his home state. His departure at the end of the 2008-09 term gave President Barack Obama his first opportunity to appoint a Supreme Court justice during his presidency. Obama nominated Judge Sonia Sotomayor to fill the vacancy.

A Conservative Appointee With Liberal Leanings

Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, Souter was considered a conservative at the time. However, during his tenure on the court, he often found himself aligning with the court’s liberal justices on key issues. This unexpected shift solidified his reputation as an independent thinker and a justice who put principle above party affiliation.