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John Paul Stevens' Retirement Letter (Text)

Supreme Court

Below is the full text of the letter Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens sent to President Obama today to announce his retirement, as well as a statement from Supreme Court Justice John Roberts:

My dear Mr. President:

Having concluded that it would be in the best interests of the Court to have my successor appointed and confirmed well in advance of the commencement of the Court's next Term, I shall retire from regular active service as an Associate Justice, under the provisions of 28 D.S.C. § 371(b), effective the next day after the Court rises for the summer recess this year.

Most respectfully yours,

John Paul Stevens

Read a copy of the letter here


Also, here is a statement from Chief Justice John Roberts:

Associate Justice John Paul Stevens has earned the gratitude and admiration of the American people for his nearly 40 years of distinguished service to the Judiciary, including more than 34 years on the Supreme Court. He has enriched the lives of everyone at the Court through his intellect, independence, and warm grace. We have all been blessed to have John as our colleague and his wife Maryan as our friend. We will miss John's presence in our daily work, but will take joy in his and Maryan's continued friendship in the years ahead.

More Coverage of John Paul Stevens' Retirement:

Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens Retiring
Read Justice Stevens' letter to President Obama
Obama Praises John Paul Stevens, Seeks Nominee With Similar Qualities
Obama on Justice Stevens' Retirement
Kagan, Wood, Head List of Likely Court Nominees
Who Will Replace Justice Stevens?
Replacing John Paul Stevens: A Strategic, Not Political Pick
John Paul Stevens' Retirement: Republicans Prepare for Supreme Court Battle
Jan Crawford: Does Obama Want a Supreme Court Fight?
Obama's Second Supreme Court Pick Likely Will Be Easier Than His First
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