Justice Souter Announces Retirement

[pendennis]

This just moved across the web:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30508968/

I am very surprised that Souter would be the first to retire during the current administration. Though he turned out to be a liberal vote, his relatively young age (69), didn't make him a logical choice to retire. That Stevens**, age 89, and Ginsberg, being treated for cancer, didn't go first was a bit of a "news" surprise.

I would expect that Obama may intend to nominate a woman to replace Souter.

However, his choice is likely to be someone who is more of an academic, than that of a "bench" judge or justice. The left tends to look at the law more as an academic exercise, than practical application or original intent. Should he find a woman fitting those attributes, that would solve his own affirmative action, and academic requirements.

** - Corrected

 

[Al Norris]

A bit of correction. Justice Stevens, is the oldest currently sitting Justice. He was born on April 20, 1920. Just turned 89.

Justice Stevens was born on April 20, 1920.
Justice Ginsberg was born March 15, 1933.
Justice Scalia was March 11, 1936.
Justice Kennedy was born July 23, 1936.
Justice Breyer was born August 15, 1938
Justice Souter was born September 17, 1939.
Justice Thomas was born June 23, 1948.
Justice Alito was born April 1, 1950.
Chief Justice Roberts was born January 27, 1955.