Friday, May 8, 2009

Supreme Court Justice Retires

U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter plans to retire at the end of the court's current term, National Public Radio reported Thursday.

Citing what it called reliable sources, NPR said Souter, 69, has informed the White House of his decision and is expected to remain on the bench until his successor has been confirmed.

A spokeswoman for the court said Thursday Souter had "no comment on these reports that he is planning to resign," The New York Times reported.

The court has wrapped up presentation of oral arguments for the term and will issue decisions until the end of June.

If the report is accurate, Souter's retirement will give President Barack Obama his first opportunity to appoint a justice to the Supreme Court.

Such a pick would not likely change the ideological composition of the court, NPR said. Souter -- who was appointed by former President George H.W. Bush --- normally votes with the more liberal justices.

No comments:

Post a Comment