Former US supreme court justice David Souter dies aged 85

Souter was a New Hampshire Republican who became a darling of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench

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.

Souter died on Thursday at his home in New Hampshire, the court said in a statement Friday. John Roberts, the chief justice, said Souter, who retired from the court in 2009, brought uncommon wisdom and kindness to a lifetime of public service".