WASHINGTON (AP/WBZ-AM) - Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy says he is retiring. That will give President Donald Trump the chance to cement conservative control of the high court.The 81-year-old Kennedy said Wednesday he is stepping down after more than 30 years on the court.
Full Statement From The United States Supreme Court
Justice Kennedy today advised his colleagues that he is submitting to the President a formal notification of his decision, effective July 31 of this year, to cease active status an an Associate Justice and to assume senior status. He said, "It has been the greatest honor and privilege to serve our nation in the federal judiciary for 43 years, 30 of those years on the Supreme Court." He added that while his family was willing for him to continue to serve, his decision to step aside was based on his deep desire to spend more time with them. He said, too, that admiration for his colleagues on the Court means that he will retain warm ties with each of them in the years to come."Justice Kennedy was nominated by President Reagan and took his oath of office on Feb 18, 1988
A Republican appointee, he has held the key vote on such high-profile issues as abortion, affirmative action, gay rights, guns, campaign finance and voting rights.
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