U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has died.
Stevens was the 3rd longest-serving Justice in the history of the United States Supreme Court. He served from 1975 to 2010.
Stevens was appointed by President Gerald Ford. His successor — Justice Elena Kagan, who was appointed by President Obama.
Stevens was in the liberal minority during most of his tenure, and famously wrote a number of memorable dissenting opinions.
One of Stevens’ biggest — the 2002 Bush vs. Gore case, in which the Supreme Court effectively put Bush in office. Stevens wrote a dissenting opinion, saying the majority’s ruling undermined the people’s faith in government and the courts.
Another big decision … his dissent in the Citizens United case, which opened up campaign finance donations from wealthy individuals and corporations.
Stevens served as a Lt. Commander in the Navy in World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Justice Stevens was one of only 2 Supreme Court justices to be divorced — the other was William O. Douglas.