Justice David Souter Was the Antithesis of the Present
Briefly

Justice David Souter, who passed away at eighty-five, was a Supreme Court Justice known for his principled and restrained jurisprudence. During an interview for his clerkship, Souter's unique charm was evident as he diverted from formal legal discussions to explore art and literature. He expressed pride in his rich ancestry, including signers of the Magna Carta. Even though his work was often overshadowed by more prominent figures, his influence and dedication to the law remained significant, particularly during a period that saw the Court dominated by Catholics, including his own personal reflections during clerk reunions.
Justice Souter's influence is often overshadowed by flashier colleagues, yet his jurisprudence is a paradigmatic example of principled restraint, standing the test of time.
During our interview, Justice Souter's detour to discuss art and literature highlighted a warmth and depth that seemed to draw one into a reflection on law.
Reflecting on his lineage, Justice Souter spoke proudly of his ancestors, including signers of the Magna Carta, illustrating a deep connection to legal history.
Souter's passing coincided with news of a new Pope, marking a cultural moment as his tenure on the Court saw a rising influence of Catholic Justices.
Read at The New Yorker
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