Justice David Souter might have given the left his votes, but he did not lead America to liberal pastures. For that the New York Times today gave him a soft slap with the back of its hand. Explained the Times:
Legal scholars have praised Justice Souter’s care, candor and curiosity. But they have said that he is, by temperament and design, a low-impact justice devoted to deciding one case at a time, sifting through the facts and making incremental adjustments in legal doctrine to take account of them.
Other justices have had more impact, gaining influence through personal and intellectual persuasion.
Poor David. All those liberal votes. So little liberal recognition!
