Former US President Joe Biden has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice David Souter, describing him as “a good man—humble, principled, and guided by conscience.” In a statement issued shortly after news of Souter’s passing, Biden recalled his role as the Senate Judiciary Committee Chair during Souter’s confirmation hearings, highlighting the quiet dignity the justice brought to the nation’s highest court.
“Justice David Souter was a good man—humble, principled, and guided by conscience. As Senate Judiciary Chair, I led his confirmation and saw firsthand the quiet dignity he brought to the Court,” Biden remarked, reflecting on Souter’s legacy and temperament.
Justice Souter, who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush, served until his retirement in 2009. Initially expected to be a reliably conservative voice on the bench, Souter surprised many by frequently siding with the Court’s more liberal justices, particularly on issues of civil rights and liberties. His measured approach and deep respect for judicial independence earned him widespread admiration.
Biden concluded his statement with a message of compassion: “Jill and I are keeping his loved ones in our prayers.”
Souter’s passing marks the end of a judicial life defined by modesty, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to the Constitution. As the nation reflects on his service, many, including Biden, are remembering a man whose legacy will endure in the annals of American jurisprudence.
