Context:

David Souter, initially perceived as a conservative appointee to the Supreme Court in 1990, emerged as a defender of constitutional privacy, individual equality, and the separation of church and state, notably voting to uphold Roe v. Wade in 1992. Despite being a Republican appointee, his liberal shifts caused dissatisfaction among conservatives, leading to a call for more thorough vetting of future nominees. Souter's tenure is marked by significant decisions, including his dissent in the contentious Bush v. Gore case which effectively decided the 2000 presidential election. He is remembered for his integrity, modest lifestyle, and his preference for a quiet life in New Hampshire post-retirement in 2009. Souter's legacy includes slowing the conservative shift of the court and a commitment to maintaining the judiciary's legitimacy for the nation's benefit, as demonstrated by his decisions on the First Amendment and racial remedies like affirmative action.

Dive Deeper:

• David Souter, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, was expected to be a conservative force on the Supreme Court, yet he quickly became known for upholding liberal values such as constitutional privacy and individual equality, notably supporting Roe v. Wade in the landmark 1992 case, Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

• Souter's unexpected liberal decisions, especially regarding abortion rights and the separation of church and state, led to disappointment among conservatives and spurred the mantra 'No more Souters,' prompting right-wing advocates to push for more rigorous vetting processes for future Republican nominees.

• His tenure on the Supreme Court is particularly noted for his dissent in the Bush v. Gore case, where he argued that the political tension of the 2000 presidential election could have been resolved without the Court's intervention, a decision that deeply divided both the nation and the Court.

• A lifelong bachelor who avoided the Washington social scene, Souter preferred a quiet, contemplative lifestyle, often returning to his home in New Hampshire, filled with books, at the end of each court term, and he retired from the bench at the relatively young age of 69.

• Despite his change in ideological stance, Souter's legacy is partly defined by his efforts to preserve the legitimacy of the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of the Court's decisions being viewed as consistent and reliable for the benefit of the nation, as well as his contributions to the interpretation of the First Amendment and racial equality policies.