Former Supreme Court Justice dead at 85

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter has died at the age of 85. Souter, who was appointed by former President George H.W. Bush, served on the court from 1990 until he retired in 2009.

Sitting Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said that Souter did so with 'great distinction' and brought 'uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service.'

'He will be greatly missed,' Roberts added. Souter earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University, and a master’s degree from Oxford as a Rhodes scholar.

He was New Hampshire 's attorney general for two years and served as a judge in the state. Souter was considered a moderate and remained a supportive vote for abortion rights and other left-leaning issues that came before the Supreme Court, even though he was appointed by a Republican president.

In two 1992 rulings, Souter helped forge a moderate-liberal coalition that reaffirmed the constitutional right to abortion and the court’s longtime ban on officially sponsored prayers in public schools.

Conservative judicial activists were critical of his leftward shift, viewing him as a traitor. He retired in 2009, allowing President Barack Obama to appoint his replacement. Obama chose Sonia Sotomayor to serve on the court.

Obama praised Souter for his 'feverish work ethic and a good sense of humor, with integrity, equanimity and compassion.' Justice Souter has shown what it means to be a fair-minded and independent judge,' Obama said. 'He came to the bench with no particular ideology. He never sought to promote a political agenda.'

Once engaged but never married, Souter remained a 'confirmed bachelor' who preferred to spend his free time in rural New Hampshire. Souter retired earlier than most justices at the age of 69 and returned to New Hampshire.

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