U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter is reportedly planning to retire from the bench at the end of the court’s current term. Souter’s decision to leave will likely not affect the political balance of the court, as his replacement by President Obama will likely be another liberal-minded justice.

The BBC:

US Supreme Court Justice David Souter plans to step down at the end of the court’s current term, US reports say.

The 69-year-old, one of four liberal-leaning judges on the bench, had informed the White House of his decision, media reports said.

Analysts say his retirement is unlikely to affect the balance of the court, which also includes four conservative judges and a centrist.

Justice Souter had no comment on the reports, a court spokeswoman said.

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