The National Judicial College (NJC) is mourning the loss of one of its most prestigious alumni, retired United States Supreme Court Justice David Souter, who passed away May 8, 2025, at the age of 85. Justice Souter graduated from the NJC’s flagship course, General Jurisdiction, in 1978, shortly after he was appointed to the trial court in his home state of New Hampshire.
“Justice Souter began his judicial career with the NJC and was a strong supporter of judicial education and independence throughout his career,” said Hon. Benes Z. Aldana (Ret.), president of the NJC. “Months after his first judicial appointment, he joined about 100 colleagues from around the country in what is referred to as ‘baby judge school.’ During the four-week course, he would have not only learned the essentials for being a good judge, including decision making, evidence, opinion writing and more, he would have worked daily in a small discussion group, building relationships with judges he could call on throughout his career.”
The following year, Justice Souter expanded his knowledge base by taking an antitrust course at the NJC.
Justice Souter began his legal career as a prosecutor before serving at attorney general of New Hampshire. He served on the trial court from 1978 to 1983 before being appointed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court, where he served until 1990. He served on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit for one year before being appointed to the United States Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. After his retirement in 2009, Justice Souter often sat by designation on the Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
“Justice Souter was a public servant to his core,” President Aldana said. “His entire career, and much of his retirement, was dedicated to serving the public and the judiciary. He was true to his beliefs and constitutional philosophy, regardless of political pressure.”
The NJC express its deepest sympathy to Justice Souter’s family, friends, and colleagues.
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