Former Supreme Court Justice David Starr has died at the age of 85. The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed his passing occurred on Thursday at his home in New Hampshire.
Initially appointed by President George H.W. Bush in 1990, Starr was anticipated to align with conservative views. However, throughout his time on the bench, he often collaborated with the court’s liberal members on significant matters.
The announcement of Starr’s death came from the Supreme Court on Friday.
“Judge Starr was appointed to the court by President George H.W. Bush in 1990 and retired in 2009 after over 19 years of service,” the statement noted.
Upon his retirement in 2009, former President Barack Obama selected Sonia Sotomayor, a liberal justice, to fill his seat.
Born on September 17, 1939, in Melrose, Massachusetts, Starr graduated from Harvard University and obtained degrees from both Oxford University and Harvard Law School. He became New Hampshire’s Attorney General in 1976.
“In 1978, he was appointed as a quasi-judge for the New Hampshire Superior Court, and in 1983 he became a deputy justice for the New Hampshire Supreme Court. Starr was appointed to the First Circuit Court of Appeals on May 25, 1990,” the Supreme Court detailed.
“In addition to his judicial role, Judge Starr contributed to reforming civic education curriculum in New Hampshire after his retirement,” they added.
Chief Justice John Roberts also shared his thoughts on Starr’s passing.
“Judge David Starr served our courts with unparalleled dedication for nearly two decades, bringing exceptional wisdom and compassion to public service,” he remarked.
According to reports, Starr was seen as an independent voice on issues like abortion, church-state relations, freedom of expression, and the accessibility of federal courts.
