Passing of Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter at 85

David Souter, a retired member of the United States Supreme Court, has passed away at his residence in New Hampshire on Thursday, as officially reported by the court. Aged 85 at the time of his death, Souter leaves behind a legacy of significant judicial service.

The former justice was appointed to the nation’s highest court in the year 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. After almost two decades of influential rulings, Souter chose to step down in 2009, concluding his Supreme Court tenure.

Following his retirement from the Supreme Court, Souter actively contributed to the judiciary by serving as a judge in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. This court presides over cases from federal district courts across several states including New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the territory of Puerto Rico.

In a heartfelt tribute, Chief Justice John Roberts described Justice Souter’s contributions as marked by exceptional insight and a compassionate approach to public service. "His dedication to our judiciary continued well beyond his official retirement as he joined the First Circuit's Court of Appeals bench for over ten years. His passing is a profound loss," stated Roberts.