Guide Note:

David Souter is an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. He was appointed to the position by President George H. W. Bush in 1990.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: September 17, 1939
2. Birthplace: Melrose, Massachusetts
3. Residence: Weare, New Hampshire
4. Alma Mater: Harvard University
5. Law School: Harvard Law School
6. Assumed office: October 9, 1990
7. Predecessor: William Brennan
8. Nominated by George H. W. Bush
9. Rhodes Scholar

During his early years, Souter spent much of his time on his maternal grandparents' farm in Weare, New Hampshire, and when his grandparents died, his parents relocated to the farm. Souter has resided at the farm since he was eleven. A highly intelligent child, Souter graduated from Harvard University, attended Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and then graduated from Harvard Law School.

In 1971, he became Attorney General of New Hampshire after Warren Rudman stepped down. In 1983, Governor John Sununu appointed Souter to the New Hampshire Supreme Court. As a justice, Souter distinguished himself as a quirky, independent thinker who drew equal parts admiration and scorn from both sides of the aisle. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush appointed Souter to the U.S. Court of Appeals, and only five months later nominated him for Supreme Court Justice. In his nomination, Bush assured conservatives that Souter would be a "home run." As a justice, Souter has been a less reliable vote than conservatives anticipated, upholding the controversial Roe v. Wade decision and typically voting with the Court's moderate members.