• Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter dies at the age of 85.
• Initially appointed as a conservative by George H.W. Bush, Souter surprised many by aligning with the court's liberal wing.
• Souter had a notable impact on key issues, including abortion rights and civil liberties.
• After retiring in 2009, he continued to serve on the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
• Chief Justice John Roberts highlighted his "wisdom and kindness" in a statement following Souter's death.

David H. Souter, a retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice, passed away at his home in New Hampshire at the age of 85, as announced by the court. During his nearly two decades on the bench, Souter became known for his unexpected liberal rulings, which included supporting abortion rights and civil liberties, a departure from the conservative expectations of his appointment by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Chief Justice John Roberts described Souter as bringing "uncommon wisdom and kindness" to a lifetime of public service, reflecting the sentiment shared by many colleagues and friends following his passing, according to abcnews, latimes, and cbsnews.

Souter's career is notable not just for his rulings but also for his reserved lifestyle, which included retreating to his home in New Hampshire after retiring in 2009. He was known for his aversion to the social scene in Washington, favoring solitary evenings with books over public engagements. This lifestyle underscored his preference for privacy, a trait that continued throughout his life, according to reuters and npr.

Born September 17, 1939, in Melrose, Massachusetts, Souter's educational journey included degrees from Harvard University and a stint as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford. His legal career started in New Hampshire's Attorney General's office before moving through various judicial appointments that culminated in his Supreme Court nomination. His ideological journey shifted significantly during his tenure, often siding with the court's liberal justices on significant rulings regarding the right to abortion and the separation of church and state, frustrating many conservatives, as described by huffpost and newsweek.

Souter's retirement opened a Supreme Court vacancy that President Barack Obama filled with Sonia Sotomayor, a historic appointment as the first Hispanic justice. Souter's tenure was marked by his candid dissent in significant cases, such as Bush v. Gore, demonstrating his judicial philosophy that emphasized the rule of law over political pressure. His contributions to prominent rulings and opinions reflect his belief in the Constitution and judicial integrity, according to indiatimes and nytimes.