WASHINGTON - Advocates for abortion rights seldom found stronger allies while supporters of the death penalty found few fiercer foes.That is the legacy Associate Justice Stephen Breyer built after nearly 30 years on the Supreme Court.
Breyer, a longtime champion of liberal causes, is retiring from the high court, giving President Joe Biden his first chance to nominate a justice.According to the Associated Press, Breyer’s departure isn’t expected until this summer.
And even though it won’t change the court’s 6-3 conservative majority, it will give Democrats a chance to secure a liberal seat for many years to come.Breyer, 83, watched the court become more conservative during his 27 years on the bench.
The passing of Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg swung the court to the right when then-President Donald Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett to replace her.Breyer first came to the court in 1994 at the age of 55, replacing Justice Harry Blackmun.