Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died. He was 85. (2008 File Photo / The Associated Press) ...

WASHINGTON – Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a favorite of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died.

“David Souter was a unique man with a special kindness and grace. He joined the court purely out of a sense of duty to the country,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who replaced Souter on the ...

Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died. He was 85.

FILE - U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, smiles after speaking during a dedication ceremony at the State Supreme Courthouse in Concord, N.H., July 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File) ...

Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died. He was 85.

FILE - David Souter, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, is shown, Dec. 1993. (AP Photo/Marcy Nighswander, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic ...

WASHINGTON — Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, the ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican who became a favorite of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench, has died.