Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter passed away at 85 at his New Hampshire home. Appointed by Republican President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Souter became a reliably liberal voice during his nearly 20 years on the bench, particularly noted for his stances on issues like abortion and freedom of expression. After retirement in 2009, he expressed concerns about the public's understanding of government processes and its potential threat to democracy. Despite his reserved lifestyle and avoidance of the social scene, he was admired by colleagues and known for his storytelling and generosity.
Souter's lifestyle was spare, with typical meals like yogurt and an apple at his desk, and he avoided Washington's social scene; his humility starkly contrasted his judicial impact.
In retirement, Souter warned that ignorance of how government operates risks undermining American democracy, fearing it could lead people to seek absolute power in times of crisis.
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