Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85 [WATCH]

Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter has died at the age of 85, the Supreme Court announced Friday.

The court did not disclose a cause of death.

Justice Souter, a New Hampshire native and lifelong bachelor, was nominated to the Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate in 1990 by a vote of 90–9.

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All nine opposing votes came from Democrats. Souter served on the high court for 19 years before retiring in 2009 at the age of 69.

Chief Justice John Roberts issued a statement Friday acknowledging Souter’s passing and service.

“Justice David Souter served our Court with great distinction for nearly twenty years,” Roberts said.

“He brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service. After retiring to his beloved New Hampshire in 2009, he continued to render significant service to our branch by sitting regularly on the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for more than a decade. He will be greatly missed.”

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Born in 1939, Souter attended Harvard College and Oxford University, before earning his law degree from Harvard Law School.

He began his legal career in New Hampshire, serving as both Assistant and Deputy Attorney General before becoming Attorney General of the state.

His judicial service began on the New Hampshire Superior Court, followed by an appointment to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, dead at 85 pic.twitter.com/eZuBuP9i1k

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In 1990, he was elevated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit before being nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court later that same year.

While originally nominated by a Republican president, Souter’s rulings on the bench frequently diverged from conservative expectations.

Over time, his judicial philosophy was seen by many as aligning more with the liberal wing of the Court. This shift became a source of disappointment for many conservatives who had supported his nomination.

Despite the ideological controversy, Souter remained a consistent and methodical voice on the bench.

He was known for his reserved demeanor and for avoiding public appearances and speeches during his tenure.

After retiring from the Supreme Court, Souter returned to New Hampshire, where he remained active in the legal and education communities.

According to the Supreme Court’s press release, he participated in civics education curriculum reform efforts in his home state.

Souter never married and lived a private life away from the spotlight during and after his judicial service.

He continued to hear cases as a visiting judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for more than ten years following his Supreme Court retirement.

His appointment in 1990 came during a pivotal period for the Court, and his decisions contributed to many key rulings over the course of two decades.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time.

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