Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens Dies At 99

Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, the Republican corporate lawyer who became the leader of the Court’s liberal wing, died Tuesday night in Ft. Lauderdala, Florida. He was 99.

The Supreme Court’s public information office said Stevens died from complications of a stroke suffered earlier in the day.

“A son of the midwest heartland and a veteran of World War II, Justice Stevens devoted his long life to public service, including 35 years on the Supreme Court,” Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement. “He brought to our bench an inimitable blend of kindness, humility, wisdom and independence. His unrelenting commitment to justice has left us a better nation.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to his children Elizabeth and Susan, and to his extended family.

Steven’s 35-year tenure is the third longest in the Court’s history. When he retired in 2010 at age 90, he was the second oldest justice ever to sit on the high court.