David Souter was an American lawyer and judge who served as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1990 to 2009. Born on September 17, 1939, in Melrose, Massachusetts, he later moved to New Hampshire, where he spent most of his life. Souter attended Harvard University and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University before earning his law degree at Harvard Law School.
Souter began his career in public service, holding positions in the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office, the state’s Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush nominated him to the U.S. Supreme Court, expecting him to be a conservative voice. However, Souter often sided with liberal rulings, playing a key role in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992).
Known for his independent thinking, dedication to legal precedent, and low-profile lifestyle, Souter retired in 2009, with Sonia Sotomayor succeeding him. He passed away on May 8, 2025, at 85 years old, leaving behind a legacy of judicial integrity and thoughtful legal interpretation.
Early Life
David Hackett Souter was born on September 17, 1939, in Melrose, Massachusetts. He was the only child of Joseph Alexander Souter and Helen Adams (Hackett) Souter. His father had Scottish ancestry, while his mother had English roots1. At age 11, his family moved to Weare, New Hampshire, where he spent most of his childhood.
Age
David Souter lived for 85 years. He passed away on May 8, 2025.
Parents and Family
David Souter’s father, Joseph Alexander Souter, was born in 1904 and passed away in 1976. His mother, Helen Adams (Hackett) Souter, was born in 1907 and died in 1995. He was their only child.
Education
David Souter attended Concord High School, where he graduated second in his class in 1957. He then went to Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 1961. He later studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar. After that, he returned to Harvard Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1966.
Wife and Children
David Souter never married and had no children. He was known for his private lifestyle and avoided the social scene in Washington, D.C.. Despite being considered one of the city’s most eligible bachelors after his Supreme Court appointment, he remained focused on his work and personal interests. Reports suggest he had past relationships, but he preferred solitude and intellectual pursuits over family life. His dedication to law and simple living defined his personal choices throughout his career.
Career
David Souter started his career in private practice but soon moved to public service. In 1968, he joined the New Hampshire Attorney General’s office. Three years later, he became Deputy Attorney General. In 1976, he was appointed Attorney General of New Hampshire.
Then, in 1978, he became an Associate Justice of the Superior Court of New Hampshire. Five years later, he was promoted to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush nominated him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. Just a few months later, he was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court.
David Souter served on the Supreme Court from 1990 to 2009. He was expected to be a conservative judge, but he often ruled in favor of liberal decisions. He played a key role in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which upheld the Roe v. Wade decision. He retired in 2009, and Sonia Sotomayor replaced him on the Court.
Net worth
David Souter’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $100,000 and $1 million. Unlike many public figures, he lived a modest life, avoiding luxury and maintaining a simple lifestyle. He resided in a farmhouse in Weare, New Hampshire, before moving to a Cape Cod-style home in Hopkinton after retirement. His financial status reflected his preference for privacy and simplicity rather than wealth accumulation. Despite his long tenure on the U.S. Supreme Court, he remained one of the least materialistic justices in modern history.
Latest News
Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 85. He died peacefully at his home in New Hampshire, according to a statement from the Supreme Court.
Souter was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush and served for nearly 20 years. Though expected to be a conservative justice, he often ruled alongside liberal members of the Court. His most notable decision was in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), where he helped uphold Roe v. Wade.
After retiring in 2009, Souter continued to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for over a decade. Chief Justice John Roberts praised him for his wisdom and kindness, calling him a man of honor. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who replaced him, shared that he often sent her insightful notes after his retirement.
Souter was known for his private lifestyle, avoiding Washington’s social scene and preferring his New Hampshire home. His legacy remains strong in American legal history.
FAQs
What was David Souter known for?
David Souter was known for being an independent voice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Though appointed by a Republican president, he often sided with liberal justices.
When did David Souter retire?
David Souter retired from the Supreme Court in 2009.
Who replaced David Souter on the Supreme Court?
David Souter was replaced by Sonia Sotomayor.
What was David Souter’s role in Planned Parenthood v. Casey?
David Souter helped write the majority opinion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which upheld Roe v. Wade.
When did David Souter pass away?
David Souter passed away on May 8, 2025, at the age of 85.
David Souter’s career was marked by independent thinking, respect for precedent, and dedication to justice. His legacy remains strong in American legal history.