David Souter, Supreme Court Justice and a Bush nominee who veered to the left, dies at 85 | CNN Politics

Key Points of David Souter's Life and Career

David Souter, a former Supreme Court Justice nominated by President George H.W. Bush, passed away at the age of 85. His death was announced by the Supreme Court on Friday.

Initially viewed as a conservative nominee, Souter's judicial decisions often aligned with the liberal wing of the court. This surprised many and led to significant political discussion.

Judicial Decisions and Impact

• Upholding Roe v. Wade: He played a crucial role in upholding the core principle of Roe v. Wade in a significant opinion, a decision that was ultimately overturned decades later.
• Civil Rights and Voting Rights: He consistently sided with the liberal bloc on civil rights, affirmative action, and voting cases.
• First Amendment Cases: He authored notable opinions concerning the First Amendment, including cases on religious displays in public spaces.
• Bush v. Gore: He felt strongly that the 2000 Bush v. Gore decision represented an excessive politicization of the Supreme Court.

His judicial approach was described as measured, scholarly, and committed to judicial restraint. His unexpected ideological leanings influenced subsequent judicial nominee vetting processes.

Post-Supreme Court Life

After 19 years on the Supreme Court, Souter retired, choosing a quieter life in New Hampshire. He took on various roles, including hearing cases at the 1st US Circuit Court of Appeals and engaging in civics education initiatives.

Personal Characteristics and Habits

Known for his unassuming nature, Souter was described as low-key and avoided the Washington social scene. Anecdotes about his simple lifestyle and habits, like eating plain yogurt and an apple core for lunch, showcase his unique personality.