Justice John Paul Stevens, who has served on the U.S. Sureme Court since 1975, wrote President Barack Obama to tell him he will retire at the of the current term in June.  See The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York TImes articles.

President Gerald R. Ford appointed Justice Stevens, who turns 90 in 11 days.

The New Yorker last week printed a profile of the longest-serving justice now on the Court, calling it "After Stevens".  The item takes you through Justice Stevens's childhood, schooling, work as a practicing lawyer, and service on the Court.  It includes excerpts from a recent interview.  Blawgletter says check it out.

Justice Stevens's retirement gives President Barack Obama the chance to appoint a second justice to the Supreme Court.  The Senate last year approved his nomination of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the former Second Circuit judge who replaced retiring Justice David Souter.  We will await President Obama's choice with interest.