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| Former Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens passed away. |
At the age of 99, Stevens passed away after complications of a stroke.
"Retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, John Paul Stevens, died this evening at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, of complications following a stroke he suffered on July 15. He passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side."
Stevens was nominated to the high court by Republican president Gerald Ford in 1975 and retired in 2010 after serving 34 years on the bench.
Stevens considered the left-to-moderate wing of the Supreme Court was crucial in major decisions during the Ford years, Carter years, Reagan years, Bush years, Clinton years, Bush, years and Obama years.
He supported Barack Obama's replacement Elena Kegan.
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| Barack Obama gives the Presidential Medal of Freedom to John Paul Stevens. |
"On behalf of the Court and retired Justices, I am saddened to report that our colleague Justice John Paul Stevens has passed away. 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. 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."
Despite being appointed by a Republican, Stevens became a hero to progressives by voting to limit the use of the death penalty, upholding affirmative action, keeping Roe v. Wade and keeping the separation of church and state.
He will get a state funeral.
Assuming that burial will be in Washington, DC, Mike Pence, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Kevin McCarthy and others will be in presence. Donald J. Trump won't likely attend.
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