Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, Who Led Liberal Wing, Dies at 99

Linda Greenstone’s obituary for The New York Times is utterly compelling. This anecdote says a lot:

Justice Stevens was known around the court for treating others with sensitivity and respect. One former law clerk, Christopher L. Eisgruber, described in a 1993 essay an incident at a party for new clerks: Before Justice Stevens arrived, an older male justice had instructed one of the few female clerks present to serve coffee. When Justice Stevens entered, he quickly grasped the situation, walked up to the young woman and said: “Thank you for taking your turn with the coffee. I think it’s my turn now.” He took over the job.

★ Wednesday, 17 July 2019