Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter passed away at his home in New Hampshire at the age of 85. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Justice Souter served on the Supreme Court for over 19 years before retiring in 2009.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., reflecting on Justice Souter's career, stated: “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. 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.”
Born on September 17, 1939, in Melrose, Massachusetts, Justice Souter had an extensive academic background with degrees from Harvard College and Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. His legal career began at Orr and Reno in Concord, New Hampshire before transitioning into public service as Assistant Attorney General of New Hampshire in 1968. He subsequently held positions as Deputy Attorney General and Attorney General of New Hampshire.
In the judiciary, he was appointed Associate Justice of the Superior Court of New Hampshire in 1978 and later served on the Supreme Court of New Hampshire starting in 1983. His federal judicial service commenced when he became a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit shortly before his Supreme Court appointment.
Even after retirement from the highest court, Justice Souter remained active by participating regularly on cases within the First Circuit and engaging in civics education reform efforts within New Hampshire.