John Paul Stevens

Date of Birth: April 20, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: July 16, 2019

Biography

John Paul Stevens was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving from December 19, 1975, until his retirement on June 29, 2010. Nominated by President Gerald Ford, Stevens was known for his independent thinking and pragmatic approach to the law. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Stevens earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago and later attended Northwestern University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude. Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Stevens served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Throughout his tenure on the Supreme Court, Stevens became known for his keen legal mind and was often seen as the intellectual leader of the Court’s liberal wing, especially in the latter part of his career. He authored landmark decisions on a wide range of issues, including administrative law, First Amendment rights, and the death penalty.

5 Interesting Facts about John Paul Stevens

1. John Paul Stevens served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star for his service.

2. Stevens was initially considered a moderate conservative but gradually became one of the Court’s leading liberal voices.

3. He was the third-longest-serving justice in the history of the Supreme Court, with a tenure spanning nearly 35 years.

4. Stevens was an avid bow-tie wearer, a trademark style that became synonymous with his public image.

5. He wrote more than 400 opinions during his time on the Supreme Court.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Paul Stevens

1. “The identity of the author of a statement is not decisive in determining whether that statement may be subjected to regulation.”

2. “While we must never forget that it is a Constitution we are expounding, we must also remember that the principles enshrined in that document are timeless.”

3. “To show a lack of respect for the Constitution is to show a lack of respect for the people who cherish it.”

4. “The basic principles of the First Amendment are firmly embedded in our national fabric.”

5. “Judicial decisions must be made on the basis of the law, not on the basis of public opinion.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by John Paul Stevens is not publicly documented, but as a federal judge, his salary and financial disclosures were in line with those typical of a Supreme Court Justice.