Story #33: David Souter, Former Supreme Court Justice and PBHA Alum

Justice David Souter ‘61 served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1990 to 2009, having been appointed by President George H.W. Bush. Though initially expected to be a conservative voice on the Court, Souter evolved into a more moderate to liberal justice over time. He was known for his thoughtful, careful decision-making and his commitment to constitutional principles, often seeking to balance original intent with contemporary realities. Souter was a key figure in important rulings on issues like abortion, privacy, and the separation of powers. He was part of the majority in landmark cases such as Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which reaffirmed Roe v. Wade, and Bush v. Gore (2000), which resolved the disputed 2000 presidential election. Despite his relatively low public profile, Souter's decisions were characterized by intellectual rigor and a deep respect for the Court's role in American democracy.

Prior to serving on the U.S. Supreme Court, Souter was a PBHA volunteer during his undergraduate years. His commitment to public service during and after his higher education pursuits remain evident in his career in the judicial branch.

Read more about Justice Souter here.