Honoring the Memory of Retired Justice David Souter
Hey there! Let's reminisce about the late David Souter, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice who recently passed away at the age of 85. NPR talked to Kermit Roosevelt III, who clerked for Souter from 1999 to 2000, to shed some light on Souter's extraordinary tenure.
Roosevelt described Souter as a "wonderful judge" and a "great role model." The justice was known for his kindness, humor, and treating everyone with respect. Despite the common misconception, clerks weren't expected to work 12-hour days like Souter, but they admired his work ethic.
What truly set Souter apart was his unique teaching methods. While helping his clerks navigate complex cases, he purposely assigned them multiple tasks, giving them the exceptional opportunity to engage with a Supreme Court justice. This experience was a real game-changer and a thrill for the young lawyers.
Though Souter was appointed by a Republican President, he sometimes surprised conservatives by aligning with the court's more liberal wing. According to Roosevelt, this absence of party politics in Souter's approach to the law was a factor in the Republican party's "no more Souters!" stance when appointing future justices.
When it came to interacting with fellow justices, Souter's easy-going and respectful nature shone through. Despite the clerks' ambitious tendencies, Souter encouraged open discussions and understanding, even during the fiercest debates. He had a more extended perspective and kept his cool in tense situations, an attitude that made his chambers a more enriching work environment.
Souter's clerkship offered experiences that extended beyond legal theory, such as the memorable time when he took all his clerks to the National Portrait Gallery and encouraged them to pick out the one thing they would steal! This cheeky activity was a testament to Souter's encouragement of self-discovery and appreciation for the things that truly matter in life.
In conclusion, clerking for David Souter was a one-of-a-kind experience, with an emphasis on intellectual growth, moderate politics, and a nurturing work environment. Souter's legacy will surely continue to inspire future generations of young lawyers seeking to make a difference in the realm of justice.
- Kermit Roosevelt III, who clerked for the late Supreme Court Justice David Souter, described him as a "wonderful judge" and a "great role model."
- Despite being appointed by a Republican President, Souter sometimes surprised conservatives by aligning with the court's more liberal wing, a factor seen in the Republican party's "no more Souters!" stance when appointing future justices, according to Roosevelt.
- Souter's unique teaching methods included assigning clerks multiple tasks, providing them with exceptional opportunities to engage with a Supreme Court justice, which was a real game-changer and a thrill for the young lawyers.
- In his chambers, Souter encouraged open discussions and understanding, even during the fiercest debates, maintaining his easy-going and respectful nature and creating a more enriching work environment for his clerks.
