Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens to Retire in June

Justice John Paul Stevens announced today that he will retire in June at the end of the U.S. Supreme Court’s current term.

Stevens, who will turn 90 this month, is the currently the court’s oldest and longest-serving member.  He was nominated by President Gerald Ford to succeed Justice William O. Douglas in 1975, after serving five years as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

“Since his appointment in 1975, Justice Stevens has shown an unwavering commitment to the rule of law and has worked tirelessly to uphold the constitutional values of our democracy,” said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference. “Our judicial system plays a crucial role in fulfilling our nation’s promises of equality. It is absolutely critical that President Obama nominates – and the Senate confirms – a well-qualified, independent, and fair-minded nominee to the Court who meets the standard Justice Stevens has set in ensuring that the rights of all Americans are protected.”