The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Souter was nominated by President George H.W. Bush to replace Justice William Brennan in 1990. Throughout his tenure on the Court, which includes writing 156 majority opinions, Souter has voted in support of civil and human rights in a wide range of cases dealing with issues such as free speech, the individual freedom to associate, voting rights, gay rights, the death penalty, and equal opportunity initiatives.

"Unlike recent judicial appointees, his conservatism was never at odds with his desire to uphold the rule of law and dispense justice equitably and fairly.  We wish him well on his return to private life, knowing that his judicial knowledge has supported our highest ideals of justice," said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of LCCR.