Washington, DC –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement in response to the announcement that Justice John Paul Stevens would retire this summer.

“Justice John Paul Stevens has made an indelible mark on the Supreme Court of the United States and the American people. Throughout his four-decades long career, he has set his focus on the Constitution and the facts presented before him in any given case. Time and again, he has proven his ability to seek common ground among justices and has been prolific in his written decisions.

“I applaud Justice Stevens not solely for his 35 years on our highest court, but also for his dedication to public service and country, harking back to his distinguished service in the Navy during World War II, which earned him a Bronze Star.

“Supreme Court decisions affect every person in our nation and each Supreme Court justice has the tremendous responsibility of safeguarding the framers’ intent and the guiding values of our Constitution, while ensuring the protections and rights found in the Constitution are relevant and applied to the issues of the day.

“As President Obama considers potential nominees to fill the large shoes of Justice Stevens, I expect him to follow the precedent he set with the nomination of Associate Justice Sotomayor and consult closely with the Senate throughout the process. I look forward to giving fair and thoughtful consideration to Justice Stevens’ successor.”