Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a Republican appointee who retired from the high court in 2009 after voting consistently with its liberal wing, has died, the Supreme Court announced on Friday.

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.

Former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, a low-key New England Republican who was an unexpectedly liberal voice in his 18 years on the nation’s top court, died at his home on Thursday, the Supreme Court announced. He was 85.