Today's News: Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter Dies at 85
Originally nominated as a presumed conservative, Souter became a key figure in the Court’s liberal bloc, notably helping preserve abortion rights in Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Overview
Date: May 8–9, 2025
Topic: Death of Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter and His Unexpected Legacy
Summary: David H. Souter, a former Supreme Court justice appointed by President George H.W. Bush, died at his New Hampshire home at age 85. Originally nominated as a presumed conservative, Souter became a key figure in the Court’s liberal bloc, notably helping preserve abortion rights in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. A reserved, scholarly figure known for his aversion to Washington’s social scene, Souter retired in 2009 and was succeeded by Sonia Sotomayor. His career is widely regarded as a turning point in the politicization of judicial appointments, giving rise to more ideologically vetted nominations in its aftermath.
Sources
The New York Times: David Souter, Supreme Court Justice Who Allied With the Left, Dies at 85 - The New York Times
CNN: David Souter, Supreme Court Justice and a Bush nominee who veered to the left, dies at 85 | CNN Politics
NBC News: Former Justice David Souter, the 'stealth' Supreme Court nominee who disappointed conservatives, dies at 85
The Washington Post: David Souter, Supreme Court justice favoring judicial restraint, dies at 85 - The Washington Post
The Wall Street Journal: David Souter, Former Supreme Court Justice, Dies at 85 - WSJ
Fox News: Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter dead at 85
Key Points
Souter was appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 and confirmed overwhelmingly by the Senate (90–9).
Initially expected to be a conservative, he soon aligned with the Court’s liberal justices, especially on abortion, civil rights, and the separation of church and state.
His surprise liberal turn became a cautionary tale for future Republican administrations, leading to stricter ideological vetting of judicial nominees (“No more Souters”).
He co-authored the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision upholding Roe v. Wade and dissented in Bush v. Gore (2000), which reportedly devastated him.
Souter lived a modest, reclusive life, avoided Washington social life, and retired early at 69 to return to New Hampshire, where he continued to sit on the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
Unique Highlights
The New York Times provided an extensive biographical profile, including Souter’s financial assets and his personal dislike of Washington’s self-importance.
CNN emphasized Souter’s philosophical quotes, his handwritten opinions, and his dismay over cameras in the courtroom.
NBC News highlighted the impact of his confirmation on future judicial nomination strategy and featured tributes from Justices Sotomayor and Chief Justice Roberts.
The Washington Post explored his judicial philosophy in depth, including his disdain for politicized judging and his alignment with historical judicial restraint.
The Wall Street Journal detailed his legal influence, including specific business rulings, copyright law, and opposition to televised court proceedings.
Fox News focused on his resume, public service, and reliable liberal positions but gave less attention to the political implications of his jurisprudence.
Contrasting Details
Fox News emphasized his liberal record but did not mention Bush v. Gore or his role in Planned Parenthood v. Casey in detail, whereas other outlets, especially The New York Times, CNN, and The Washington Post, centered those rulings.
The Wall Street Journal praised his legal intellect and practical judgments, while NBC News and CNN framed his legacy in terms of ideological betrayal from a conservative perspective.
The New York Times noted his criticism of Vice President JD Vance and included anecdotes about his reclusive habits, not found in most other articles.
The Washington Post and CNN described the emotional impact of Bush v. Gore on Souter, including that he wept and considered resigning—details omitted by Fox News and The Wall Street Journal.
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