Former Justice David Souter, appointed to the Supreme Court by President George H. W. Bush in 1990, passed away at his home in New Hampshire at the age of 85, as announced by the court on Friday. Chief Justice John Roberts expressed condolences, 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.”
When Souter retired from the court at 69, he was not the oldest member, but had made his desire to leave Washington clear to friends. He was eager to return to his native New Hampshire, a state he cherished and preferred over the political tumult of the capital.
Justice Souter's academic credentials were impressive; he was a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School, and he also attended Magdalen College at Oxford University. However, his academic pedigree was just one aspect of his reputation as a thoughtful jurist. Before his Supreme Court appointment, Souter was recognized as a highly analytical conservative, yet his tenure on the court would challenge these initial expectations.
Upon his confirmation, Souter quickly became a surprising figure in the court. Contrary to the expectations that he would join the conservative faction led by Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Souter aligned himself with the court's more moderate wing, which also included Reagan appointee Sandra Day O'Connor. His decisions often leaned towards the liberal side, further distancing him from the conservative ideals he was thought to embody. This unexpected alignment baffled both John Sununu, the White House chief of staff who had advocated for Souter’s appointment, and President Bush himself.
Souter's unique approach extended beyond his legal philosophy. He preferred to drive back to New Hampshire instead of flying, especially during the court's long summer hiatus. His reluctance to embrace modern technology was notable; Souter famously resisted using a cell phone and email, opting to write his opinions and dissents by hand with a fountain pen. Despite being engaged at one point, he remained unmarried, and lived a simple life in a modest apartment near the Supreme Court, distancing himself from the social scene of Washington.
Justice David Souter’s nearly two-decade service on the Supreme Court was marked by his commitment to thoughtfulness, kindness, and independence. His legacy as a jurist who defied expectations and prioritized personal values over political pressures will be remembered by many. Though his time on the court has ended, his impact on American jurisprudence and the lives he touched continues to resonate.
