Retired Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter has died at age 85. The ascetic bachelor and New Hampshire Republican became a favorite of liberals during his nearly 20 years on the bench.

Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1990 by Republican President George H.W. Bush, Souter quickly emerged as a consistent "liberal" vote in high-profile cases about hot-button issues such as abortion and affirmative action.

Retired Supreme Court Justice David Souter was a steady member of the high court's liberal wing during his tenure despite being appointed by a Republican president.