Granite State leaders were quick to offer tributes after the death of retired U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice David Souter.
Souter, only the second Supreme Court justice from New Hampshire, died Thursday at age 85.
He was nominated to the high court by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 on the recommendation of his longtime friend, U.S. Sen. Warren Rudman.
Before moving to the federal bench, Souter served as New Hampshire attorney general, superior court judge and state supreme court associate justice.
In his Senate confirmation hearing in 1990, Souter shared the following lessons he learned from his time as a judge in New Hampshire:
“The first lesson, simple as it is, is that whatever court we are in, whatever we are doing, whether we are on a trial court or an appellate court, at the end of our task some human being is going to be affected. Some human life is going to be changed in some way by what we do, whether we do it as trial judges or whether we do it as appellate judges, as far removed from the trial arena as it is possible to be.
“The second lesson that I learned in that time is that if, indeed, we are going to be trial judges, whose rulings will affect the lives of other people and who are going to change their lives by what we do, we had better use every power of our minds and our hearts and our beings to get those rulings right.”
Former Sen. Rudman remembered fondly at memorial service (copy)
Retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, facing the camera, hugs former Attorney General Tom Rath at a memorial service for their friend, former U.S. Sen. Warren Rudman in Concord in January 2013. Souter and Rudman were also former attorneys general.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a former state attorney general:
“From his time as a prosecutor and New Hampshire’s Attorney General, to his two decades at the United States Supreme Court, Justice David Souter led an incredible life of service to our state and our nation. I join his loved ones and former colleagues in mourning his loss today.”
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen:
“Today, I join people in New Hampshire and across America in grieving the loss of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter – a devoted public servant who called the Granite State home and put country above all else. He will be remembered for his deep, unwavering commitment to upholding our Constitution and his dedication to a just society.
“All Granite Staters should feel immensely proud of Justice Souter’s legacy. Today, Billy and I are thinking of Justice Souter’s family, loved ones and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his legacy endure, and may he rest in peace.”
U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan:
“Justice David Souter was an extraordinarily thoughtful jurist who exemplified our Granite State values every day. Dedicated to upholding the rule of law, Justice Souter knew that the Constitution knows no political party or ideology and approached cases with an open mind, a willingness to listen to the facts, and a determination to provide consistent and stable jurisprudence.
“After retiring from the Supreme Court, he continued his service, sitting regularly on the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and working to impart his reverence for our democracy to the next generation through his efforts to improve civics education.
“On a personal level, he was an incredibly kind, gentle, and unassuming man who loved New Hampshire. And it was a tremendous honor that Justice Souter administered my ceremonial oath of office after I entered the United States Senate.
“I know that New Hampshire and our entire country are better off because of Justice Souter’s commitment to both public service and justice. My thoughts are with Justice Souter’s friends and family at this time.”
Former Gov. John Lynch:
“Like so many others, I am deeply saddened by the passing of Justice David Souter. On the other hand I am so gratified that he was part of the very fabric of our lives.
“I got to know Justice Souter during my time as Governor. We would meet regularly for lunch in my office. And he would bring his own lunch, which was yogurt occasionally mixed with granola.
“He had an amazing intellect. But was so special about David, is that he had an incredible ability to relate the rule of law to people. He was always interested in how the law, or legislation, affected the lives of people so impacted.
“David had so much humanity and empathy. And sincerely wanted to make a positive difference in the lives of the people his decisions touched.”
N.H. Supreme Court Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald:
“We mourn the loss of Justice David Souter. The New Hampshire Supreme Court conducts its business in the Souter Conference Room in Concord. There, we are reminded daily of Justice Souter’s deep intellect, his reverence for the law, his love for our state, and perhaps most of all, his humility. Having reached the pinnacle of our profession, Justice Souter always remained grounded in New Hampshire. We will continue to be inspired by David Souter’s remarkable legacy.”
N.H. Attorney General John Formella:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Justice David Souter. From his service as New Hampshire’s Attorney General to his tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court, Justice Souter’s commitment to justice and the rule of law left an indelible mark. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his service to New Hampshire and our nation.”