Former US Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85

David Souter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice appointed by President George H.W. Bush, died peacefully at his New Hampshire home at age 85. Initially perceived as a conservative nominee, Souter became known for his liberal rulings on key issues such as abortion rights, church-state separation, and limitations on the death penalty, confounding conservative expectations. He played a pivotal role in the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision that upheld Roe v. Wade and introduced the 'undue burden' standard for abortion laws. Souter retired in 2009 at the age of 69, allowing President Barack Obama to appoint Sonia Sotomayor as his successor, marking a continuation of a liberal shift in the Court. His tenure was marked by a reputation for wisdom, kindness, and a modest lifestyle, with Chief Justice John Roberts praising his distinguished service. Souter's unexpected liberalism led to a significant shift in how Republican nominees have since been selected, with greater emphasis on conservative judicial philosophy and documented records.