Justice Souter throws in the towel

By Jack Brummet
All This Is That Law and Justice Commentator


Click the Justice to enlarge - illustration by Jack Brummet

Supreme Court Justice David Souter is just about to announce his own bail-out plan. . I may be wrong, but I can't remember another Justice recently (ever?) who actually retired, other than Sandra Day O'Connor. Justices usually leave the court feet first. Don't they?

Justice Souter will retire at the end of the term in June. I was hoping the first retiree would be from the other wing of the court. The thing I've always loved about Souter was that following his 1990 appointment, by George Bush the Elder, he rapidly became one of the Court's staunch liberals. A good friend of mine was a law clerk for him before the appointment. I remember her saying "don't worry. You'll be surprised. So will George Bush."

The rumors circulating say that Souter has had it with Washington, and wants to get out while he can still actually enjoy retirement in New Hampshire.

It's been many (15?) years since a Democrat was even able to name a nominee. And this time. . .our President has a [growing] majority in the Senate. He could probably get Angela Davis confirmed if he put his mind to it.

The alleged/possible/trial balloon short list of replacements includes Elena Kagan (the solicitor general), and Sonia Sotomayor and Diana Pamela Wood--both appellate court judges.

This will be pretty sweet for BHO. . .he is getting his first court opening in the first few months of his Presidency. George W. Bush--thank God--had no openings until well into his second term,
---o0o---