TRENTON - Governor Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 389, ordering U.S. and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff on Friday, May 16, 2025 to honor the life of former United States Supreme Court Associate Justice David Hackett Souter. 

Justice Souter passed away on May 8, 2025 at the age of 85. A New Hampshire native, Justice Souter earned his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1966 and began a distinguished career in public service shortly thereafter, serving as New Hampshire’s Attorney General from 1976 to 1978. Justice Souter went on to serve at nearly every level of the judiciary, including the New Hampshire Superior Court, the New Hampshire Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. In 1990, he was nominated by President George H. W. Bush and confirmed with strong bipartisan support to the United States Supreme Court, where he served until his retirement in 2009.

“Justice Souter left a profound imprint on America’s judiciary,” said Governor Murphy. "He fought for core constitutional principles, including reproductive rights, the separation of church and state, and freedom of speech. We extend our condolences to his loved ones and will forever be grateful for his extraordinary life of service.” 

For a copy of Executive Order No. 389, click here.