Pelosi Statement on Justice Souter's Retirement from Supreme Court

Pelosi Statement on Justice Souter's Retirement from Supreme Court

Friday, May 1, 2009

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on Justice David Souter's retirement from the Supreme Court:

â€Å"Justice David Souter has served with distinction. He has exemplified adherence to our Constitutional traditions, preserving an independent judiciary, assuring checks and balances, and protecting our individual rights. As a voice of reason, he recognized Americans' reliance on settled Constitutional guidance, including reproductive rights, and dissented from decisions driven by ideological outcomes. In his support of decisions on Guantanamo and habeas corpus, Justice Souter has upheld the rule of law and the founding principles of our nation.

â€Å"I appreciate his outstanding public service and wish him well in his future endeavors. I look forward to the President nominating an individual who will stand for justice, equality, and opportunity for all, and maintain the Supreme Court's role as the guardian of our Constitution and our individual rights.”