In Memoriam: A Reflection on the Remarkable Journey of Justice David Souter

In Memoriam: A Reflection on the Remarkable Journey of Justice David Souter Episode Overview In this special memorial episode, we discuss the remarkable life and judicial career of Justice David H. Souter, a Supreme Court Justice who defied political expectations and remained committed to principled jurisprudence. Key Highlights Born: September 17, 1939 in Melrose, Massachusetts Appointed to Supreme Court: 1990 by President George H.W. Bush Retired: 2009 (succeeded by Justice Sotomayor) Passed Away: May 8, 2025 Notable Career Milestones Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University New Hampshire Attorney General Associate Justice of New Hampshire Supreme Court Judge on the First Circuit Court of Appeals Supreme Court Justice (1990-2009) Landmark Cases Discussed 1. Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) (Opinion Here ) Co-authored opinion affirming Roe v. Wade Crafted influential section on judicial precedent 2. Bush v. Gore (2000) (Opinion Here ) Demonstrated judicial independence Critiqued recount process while questioning judicial overreach Judicial Philosophy Highlights Believed law should adapt to empirical realities Advocated for judicial restraint Supported separation of church and state Consistently prioritized legal principles over political expectations The Supreme Court issued two press releases: Here and Here .