Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85
David Souter, a Republican appointee who often sided with the Supreme Court’s liberal wing, died Thursday at 85. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Souter defied conservative expectations, backing abortion rights, civil liberties, and church-state separation. He retired in 2009, allowing President Obama to appoint Sonia Sotomayor. Known for his modesty and aversion to the spotlight, Souter spent his retirement quietly in New Hampshire.
