Stevens Will Hang Up His Robe

Posted on Apr 9, 2010

Wikimedia Commons

Justice John Paul Stevens was appointed by President Gerald Ford in December 1975 to succeed Justice William O. Douglas, who had retired.

Liberal Justice John Paul Stevens has announced his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court. The 89-year-old will step down when the court’s term ends in June or July, giving President Barack Obama the opportunity to make his second appointment to the high court. —JCL

Reuters:

Following is the text of the letter liberal Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens sent to President Barack Obama on Friday announcing his resignation:

My dear Mr. President:

Having concluded that it would be in the best interests of the Court to have my successor appointed and confirmed well in advance of the commencement of the Court’s next Term, I shall retire from regular active service as an Associate Justice ... effective the next day after the Court rises for the summer recess this year.

Most respectfully yours,

John Paul Stevens

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