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David H. Souter

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description David H. Souter Overview

David H. Souter (1939-2025) served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1990 to 2009. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, Souter was expected to be a conservative justice based on his background and the recommendations of New Hampshire Republican officials.

However, once on the Court, he evolved into a reliable member of the liberal wing, voting consistently with the Court's more progressive justices on issues including civil rights, separation of church and state, and criminal procedure. Prior to his Supreme Court appointment, Souter served on the New Hampshire Supreme Court and briefly on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

help David H. Souter FAQ

Who appointed David Souter to the Supreme Court?

David H. Souter was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Despite being a Republican nominee from New Hampshire, Souter became one of the Court's most reliable liberal votes over the course of his tenure.

When did David Souter retire from the Supreme Court?

David Souter retired from the Supreme Court in 2009, after serving nearly two decades on the bench since his 1990 appointment. He was succeeded by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, appointed by President Barack Obama.

Was David Souter a conservative or liberal justice?

Although appointed by a Republican president, Souter became known as a reliable liberal vote on the Supreme Court, particularly on issues involving civil liberties, separation of church and state, and environmental regulation. His ideological drift surprised many conservatives who had supported his nomination as a presumed conservative.

Where was David Souter from before joining the Supreme Court?

Souter was from New Hampshire, where he served on the New Hampshire Supreme Court before being elevated to the federal bench. He was widely known for his preference for the quiet, rural life of New Hampshire over the social and political culture of Washington, D.C.

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