In the often-sterile corridors of the legal world, where cold logic and black-letter law are hailed as the gold standard, one jurist stood out not just for his formidable intellect, but for his deep commitment to the human side of justice. In a heartfelt and profoundly reflective piece, Professor Allison Orr Larsen—former Supreme Court clerk and current professor at William & Mary Law School—offers a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the judicial philosophy of Justice David Souter, a man who quietly, yet powerfully, embodied what it means to place human connection at the heart of the law.
Larsen’s reflection is more than just a tribute; it is a reminder that the soul of the legal system lies in its empathy, humility, and thoughtfulness—qualities that Souter not only exhibited but made foundational to his work on the highest court in the United States.
🔍 A Supreme Beginning with a Humble Hero
Professor Larsen begins with an anecdote from her first day clerking for Justice Souter in 2005. Lost in the majestic but confusing halls of the Supreme Court, she found direction not only from a security guard but also a repeated sentiment: “You are lucky—Justice Souter is the best.” This was not just lip service. From the badge desk to the elevator operator to the Court library staff, everyone spoke with deep respect and warmth. It soon became evident that Justice Souter didn’t just know the names of everyone who worked at the Court—he knew their stories.
This quiet charisma belied his public reputation for being shy or reclusive. Instead, Larsen reveals a man who was intensely private but deeply connected, someone who shunned the spotlight but thrived in meaningful interaction. He wasn’t a performer; he was present.
⚖️ Judging with Compassion and Intellect
What makes Larsen’s account so compelling is how it illustrates a unique blend of intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence. Justice Souter was not only brilliant—a voracious reader with a near-impeccable memory—but also profoundly deliberate. He didn’t rush decisions. He didn’t rule based on convenience or consensus. When facing last-minute death penalty appeals, for instance, he was not interested in how the others had voted or whether his vote was “necessary.” To him, every case was consequential.
This speaks volumes about his judicial character: judicious, not just judicial. He took his time. He evaluated every fact. He considered every implication. To quote Justice Souter’s own admiration for Learned Hand, he too approached decisions “with a diffidence near to fear,” acknowledging the torment of competing reasons and the moral weight of legal choices.
🫀 The Heartbeat of the Law is Human Connection
The overarching message of Larsen’s tribute is the deeply personal and resonant truth that “the heartbeat of the law is human connection.” It wasn’t simply Justice Souter’s knowledge of precedent or constitutional theory that shaped his jurisprudence—it was his understanding that law affects real lives.
He demonstrated this understanding not only in court opinions but also in daily interactions. He teased his clerks affectionately, tracked the running injuries of police officers, and respected everyone’s story. He didn’t see law as abstract. He saw it as personal, alive, and deeply human.
This is the very soul of what makes a great jurist: the ability to balance legal precision with compassionate judgment. Larsen points out that this lesson—valuing empathy, slowing down, thinking deeply—is the most important thing a young lawyer can learn. And for law students or early-career professionals, this message couldn’t be more timely.
🧭 Legacy in Legal Education and Beyond
Justice Souter’s legacy is not just his rulings but his approach to the rule of law. In a time where public trust in institutions often wavers, and where the law can feel mechanical or even dehumanizing, his career stands as a beacon of what thoughtful jurisprudence looks like.
For educators like Professor Larsen, Souter’s influence is lasting. For law students and lawyers alike, this tribute is a call to action: law must never lose sight of the people it serves. And in every case, no matter how minor or monumental, the human element must be considered with the utmost seriousness.
As Larsen poignantly concludes, the security guard who welcomed her on Day One had it exactly right: “Justice Souter is the best.”
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Source: https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/05/the-heartbeat-of-the-law-is-human-connection/
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