Washington D.C., May 1, 2009 / 10:29 am
Supreme Court Justice David Souter plans to retire from his seat on the country's highest court when it completes its current term, according to news reports. Hearing the announcement, some pro-life groups are promising to vigorously oppose any Obama appointee that does not support the right to life of the unborn.
Souter's retirement comes as a bit of a surprise since he is 69—younger than both of the other liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsberg and John Paul Stevens, who are 76 and 89 respectively.
Currently, the court has finished hearing oral arguments for the term and will spend the time between now and June issuing rulings and opinions.
Almost as soon as news of Souter's retirement hit the wires, speculation began about who President Obama would appoint to replace him.