Latest news with #Souter
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Justice David Souter and state constitutional law
Among scholars who study state courts and state constitutions, Justice David Souter was notable for the experience at the state level that he brought with him to the Supreme Court. (Photo by) Following retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter's passing last month, commentators memorialized the justice with appreciations of his analytical acumen and commitment to the role of neutral arbiter. Steven Vladeck, for instance, praised Souter for 'just how seriously he took his job as a justice — and a judge.' At the same time, however, as longtime Supreme Court observer Linda Greenhouse noted in The New York Times, Souter's 'name was on so few significant opinions and his profile at the court was so low that after his first few years, legal academia essentially stopped paying attention to him.' Not all of legal academia. Among scholars who study state courts and state constitutions, Souter was notable for the experience at the state level that he brought with him to the Supreme Court. During his tenure as a member of New Hampshire's highest court, that court contributed to the development of state constitutional law in significant ways. The Granite State stood at the forefront of the jurisprudential phenomenon known as the 'new judicial federalism' — the practice of state courts interpreting the individual rights provisions of their own constitutions independently of the Supreme Court's rulings on the parallel protections contained in the federal Bill of Rights. The new judicial federalism was inspired, in large part, by an essay published in the Harvard Law Review in 1977. Alarmed by the extent to which the Supreme Court was retreating from the robust protection of individual rights under the federal constitution, Supreme Court Justice William Brennan reminded readers that 'State constitutions, too, are a font of individual liberties, their protections often extending beyond those required by the Supreme Court's interpretation of federal law.' In other words, individuals and advocates should consider, in appropriate cases, the depth and reach of state constitutional individual rights provisions. The New Hampshire Supreme Court heard Brennan's call. In its 1983 decision in State v. Ball, the high court held that, when state constitutional issues are properly raised, the state courts have 'a responsibility to make an independent determination of the protections afforded in the New Hampshire Constitution.' To ignore this obligation, the court continued, would be to fail in the duty to defend the state constitution, which in turn would undermine 'the federalism that must be so carefully safeguarded by our people.' A commitment to the independent interpretation of the state constitution necessarily entails the development of approaches and modes of analysis suited to that particular constitutional context, which Justice Souter recognized in a 1986 case, State v. Bradberry. Souter had been appointed to the high court when the court issued its opinion in Ball, but he did not participate in the decision. Bradberry thus presented an opportunity for him to explain the stakes for state constitutional law in individual rights cases: 'If we place too much reliance on federal precedent,' he wrote, 'we will render the State rules a mere row of shadows; if we place too little, we will render State practice incoherent. If we are going to steer between these extremes, we will have to insist on developed advocacy from those who bring the cases before us.' Justice Souter's plea for support from the bar in state constitutional cases continues to resonate. In our treatise on state constitutional law, 'The Law of American State Constitutions,' my co-author Bob Williams and I referred to Souter's opinion in Bradberry as a definitive statement on the matter. In the book, we echoed the perspective articulated in his opinion: State courts that rely wholly on federal law in interpreting their state constitutional rights protections risk diminishing those protections, while too little respect for federal precedent risks isolating a state's law from the larger, national discourse about the meaning of common individual rights provisions. His experience with state constitutional law and the new judicial federalism distinguished Justice Souter's career from that of most of his fellow U.S. Supreme Court justices, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court's commitment to fostering independent state constitutional interpretation in State v. Ball has distinguished it from other state courts. In Bradberry, Justice Souter maintained that the commitment represents but an initial step toward reckoning with state constitutional text. In ascertaining the meaning of the state's charter, Souter advised, the state's courts should expect to rely on counsel representing each side of a case to illuminate the text. Such advocacy allows judges to consider the full range of interpretive possibilities that may lie in particular provisions of the New Hampshire Constitution — and creates an alternative to relying exclusively on the views of nine judges in Washington, D.C., who are tasked with construing a similar but fundamentally different constitution
Edinburgh Reporter
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Local Talent in the Spotlight: Stockbridge's Celebration of Scottish Creativity
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Stockbridge art district, Graystone Gallery has established itself as a vital platform for contemporary Scottish artists, balancing a showcase of established names with emerging talents through its ambitious exhibition programme. The gallery, which hosts a large number of exhibitions annually at 52 Hamilton Place, has become a cornerstone of the local art scene with its carefully curated catalogue of shows. Its approach of presenting both solo exhibitions and thoughtfully curated group shows creates a dynamic environment where artistic traditions evolve through fresh perspectives. The gallery believes in creating conversations between different generations of Scottish artists. Each exhibition is curated to highlight these connections while celebrating the distinctive voice each artist brings to contemporary Scottish art. May & June Exhibition Highlights the Coastal Influence on Scottish Art The gallery's current exhibition, 'Time & Tide: A Solo Show by Kerry Souter' (running until June 8th, 2025), exemplifies the gallery's commitment to showcasing distinctive Scottish artistic voices. Souter's mixed-media paintings evoke the Scottish coastline, using texture, colour, and abstraction to mirror nature's rhythms and patterns. This isn't Souter's first feature at the gallery: her previous exhibition 'A Kiss of the Sea' in 2024 demonstrated her ongoing abstract exploration of coastal themes. The current show deepens this investigation, offering a contemplative exploration of nature, memory, and the passage of time through her distinctive artistic lens. The exhibition presents a compelling case for how the Scottish landscape continues to inspire contemporary artists, who interpret familiar scenes through innovative techniques and perspectives. Spring Exhibition Celebrated the Diversity of Scottish Artistic Approaches Earlier this season, the gallery presented its 'Spring Exhibition: A Sunlit Reminder of Warmth to Come' (April 10 – May 4, 2025), a group show that embodied the gallery's philosophy of showcasing multiple artistic voices in conversation with each other. This vibrant exhibition followed 'Worlds in Colour: A Vivid Exploration of Art and Imagination' (March 7 – April 5, 2025), which featured bold, expressive works that demonstrated the diversity of contemporary Scottish art beyond traditional landscape representation. The early months of 2025 also saw 'Palettes and Perspectives: Natural Beauty Through Unique Lenses' (January 31 – March 2, 2025), a thematic exhibition exploring how different artists interpret the natural world through their individual artistic approaches. Showcasing the Range of Scottish Artistic Talent The gallery represents over 60 contemporary artists working across various mediums and styles. From the atmospheric urban landscapes of Leon Anderson and Wendy Davidson to the textural coastal scenes of Kerry Souter, the gallery offers a comprehensive view of Scotland's vibrant contemporary art scene. Other notable artists in the gallery's roster include Fanny Arnesen, known for her ethereal abstract works; Rosanne Barr, whose landscapes capture the distinctive Scottish light; and Poppy Cyster, whose vibrant abstracts often reference natural forms and patterns. The gallery's ceramics collection features exceptional work from artists like Adrian Bates, David Binns, and Jo Gifford, demonstrating how Scottish artistry extends beyond canvas to functional and sculptural three-dimensional forms. Beyond Traditional Exhibition Spaces Graystone Gallery has expanded its reach through innovative partnerships, including collaborations with the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Recent hotel exhibitions have included 'Pieces of Home' by Gill Knight (October 2024 – February 2025) and 'Dapper Dogs & Downtown' featuring Leon Anderson and Wendy Davidson (June – October 2024). These satellite exhibitions extend the gallery's influence beyond Stockbridge, introducing Scottish contemporary art to new audiences in unexpected settings. On top of that, the gallery's 2024 programme included participation in the Edinburgh Art Fair, further demonstrating its commitment to promoting Scottish art through various platforms and contexts. Stockbridge as a Cultural Hub Graystone Gallery's dynamic exhibition programme contributes to Stockbridge's growing reputation as a cultural destination within Edinburgh. The district, known for its independent businesses and village-like atmosphere, has developed a concentrated art scene that attracts visitors throughout the year. Stockbridge offers the perfect environment for engaging with art in a less intimidating setting than larger institutions. The walkable nature of the district encourages visitors to explore multiple galleries and discover diverse Scottish artistic voices. The gallery's location at 52 Hamilton Place places it within walking distance of other cultural attractions, creating natural foot traffic from both local residents and visitors exploring the area. Building Relationships Between Artists and Collectors Beyond the exhibition schedule, Graystone Gallery has developed a reputation for fostering meaningful connections between artists and collectors through its regular programme of artist talks, demonstrations, and private viewings. The gallery believes art appreciation deepens through understanding the creative process and artistic intention. Their events programme creates opportunities for collectors to engage directly with artists in comfortable, approachable settings. This approach has proven particularly effective in supporting emerging artists, creating platforms where their work can be discovered by collectors who might initially visit to see more established names represented by the gallery. Looking Ahead to Summer and Beyond As spring moves into summer, Graystone Gallery will continue its commitment to showcasing Scotland's artistic talent. Following Kerry Souter's solo exhibition, the gallery will introduce new shows that maintain its balance of established and emerging voices. As Graystone Gallery continues to develop its exhibition programme, its commitment to balancing established and emerging Scottish talent remains central to its mission. Future plans include expanding its digital presence to reach wider audiences while maintaining the personal approach that has defined its physical space. Edinburgh has always been a city where artistic tradition and innovation coexist. The gallery's exhibition programme aims to capture that dynamic, celebrating Scottish artistic heritage while looking firmly towards its future. With its thoughtful curation and commitment to artist development, Graystone Gallery has established itself as an important platform for contemporary Scottish creativity, contributing significantly to Stockbridge's cultural landscape. Graystone Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, at 52 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. For more information about current and upcoming exhibitions, visit Like this: Like Related
Press and Journal
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Video: Kellands School pupils celebrate Dons victory with football-inspired lesson
A video of pupils and staff at an Inverurie primary school celebrating the Dandy Dons has attracted much attention online. After Aberdeen FC won the Scottish Cup, Kellands School decided to mark the occasion with a red and white day. Pupils from P1 to P7 donned the team colours to create a sea of red and white across the school. Teachers organised a variety of fun activities and even a Dons-inspired lesson, with depute head Alan Souter helping one class expand their knowledge of the squad. A video of the 'daft' lesson now has more than 250,000 views on Facebook. 'A few of us here are quite big Dandies so we obviously wanted to celebrate the game,' Mr Souter told The Press and Journal. 'I teach one of the classes on a Monday so I came in with my full kit on. 'The lesson was to wind up one of the other teachers, who is a Rangers fan. 'I said to the class 'let's play a little joke' and they were all on board. 'What you see in the video is two minutes after we came up with the idea. 'It was just a bit of fun. 'They did have proper spelling words as well!' The staff at Kellands School have been shocked to see how much attention the video has gained online. 'We're in our own little world running a primary school,' Mr Souter said. 'But it's been really nice – and most of the feedback has been very complimentary. 'We have lots of close links with the club, so it felt amazing to celebrate. 'It's mad that it's gone a bit viral.' Deputy head teacher Caroline Brunton added: 'We had a long-term relationship with the Aberdeen FC Community Trust and we've always maintained close links with the club. 'A lot of the kids are football fans, and we really push sport at the school, so it's nice to make a big deal of it with the kids. 'Lots of the children were at the game. 'One of our P5s was even a mascot.' The teachers said the school was 'buzzing' as they celebrated the Dons winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in 35 years. And to end the day, all of the classes came together to enjoy a Dandies Disco in the playground.
CNN
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
In pictures: Supreme Court Justice David Souter
Souter, right, leaves the US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Castle, New Hampshire, in 1969. At the time, he was the assistant attorney general of New Hampshire. AP Souter was born in Massachusetts, but he grew up and attended grade school in New Hampshire. He went on to attend Harvard University, the University of Oxford, and Harvard Law School. Ken Williams/Concord Monitor/AP Souter signs documents after being sworn in. With him, from left, are Rehnquist, Antonin Scalia, Sandra Day O'Connor, Thurgood Marshall, Anthony Kennedy, Harry Blackmun and John Paul Stevens. Ken Heinen/Pool/AP Souter works with a group to promote civics education in New Hampshire schools in 2009. In a break with today's norms, Souter retired from the Supreme Court that year, seeking a return to his contemplative life in New Hampshire. Souter was only 69 when he stepped down – far younger than most departing justices. He never married, and he was never fond of the Washington social scene. Jim Cole/AP Souter, second from left, stands with members of the Supreme Court before a procession marking Harvard Law School's bicentennial in 2017. Standing with him, from left, are Anthony Kennedy, John Roberts, Elena Kagan, Stephen Breyer and Neil Gorsuch. Jessica Rinaldi/The
Press and Journal
20-05-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
Remembering the day an RAF bomber crashed into Lossiemouth homes, killing 11
On May 20 1945, Lossiemouth was a town revelling in peace. World War Two was over in Europe. The daily diet of death, fear and insecurity was gone. It doesn't take much to imagine the joy and relief in people's hearts. Then abruptly, that quiet Sunday morning, tragedy struck the town. A Wellington bomber on a test flight from RAF Lossiemouth fell from the sky and hit a row of council houses. It resulted in the loss of eight civilians, six of them from the same family, and three RAF air crew. From a town celebrating the end of the war less than a fortnight earlier, Lossie was now a town in mourning. Lossiemouth's war had already had profound effects on the humble fishing town. RAF Lossiemouth opened in 1939 and played vital part in the war effort, particularly as a strategic base for bombing missions. The war came close to home on October 26 1940, when the base was attacked by the German Luftwaffe, killing one RAF officer and two air crew. A four-man German crew also died and were buried in Lossiemouth. Less than a year later, on July 11 1941, a German Junkers 88 fighter dropped four bombs over the town, possibly mistaking it for the RAF base. The first bomb hit Kinneddar Street resulting in injuries to members of the Souter family. The second bomb hit 6 Dunbar Street, killing Mr and Mrs John Wilson and their house guests Mr and Mrs Joseph Leighton, who had fled Portsmouth and come to Lossie to try and escape the worst of the war. Their daughter was married to an RAF officer at the base. Two more bombs were dropped that night, one fell on King Street, the other in a nearby quarry. But all that trauma was rapidly becoming history after VE day, and the community was looking forward to the future. Just before 10am on Sunday May 20, at RAF Lossiemouth, a Wellington bomber crewed by RD Rickard from Manchester; DR Cameron and CGW Mawby from South Ealing were preparing to take off on a test flight. At the same time, the Flood family were stirring at home in their upper council house on the block 43, 45 and 49 Church Street. John Flood and his 11-year old daughter Jeanie decided to treat the rest of the family to tea in bed, and were in the kitchen. Mum Joey Flood and her other five children were at the other end of the house. Their next door neighbours upstairs, Judith Allan, 66 and her adopted daughter Vera were also having a lazy morning before church. Meanwhile things were going wrong on the test flight. An eyewitness said the plane failed to gain height as it flew over Coulard Hill in an easterly direction, and was struggling, its engines cutting out. He told the P&J: 'The pilot was obviously making a supreme effort to get the bomber clear of the own and make for the sea. 'But the plane whirled three times, the engines suddenly became silent and the machine dropped like a stone on top of a block of flatted municipal houses. 'Part of the fuselage fell in front of the building and the other part in the garden at the rear. The plane completely disintegrated. There was a loud explosion and in a matter of seconds the plane and the block of houses were enveloped in flames. 'Had it gone three yards farther the plane would have missed the houses and fallen in the open space formed by the old Market Square.' In an instant, 11 people lost their lives. Vera Allan died in bed. Her mother Judith, who had lost a son in France in 1940 and whose surviving son was serving with the Seaforths in India, was charred and barely recognisable when she was found. Downstairs, other residents scrambled to safety. The fate of the Flood family was unimaginable. Mum Joey Flood and five of her six boys were trapped in their blazing home and perished in the flames. John Flood threw Jeanie, 11, out of the window, a 15ft drop, saving her life. He grabbed his youngest, three year old David and headed for the window, but the wall caved in from the force of one of the explosions. The boy, David, was wrenched out of his hands and died, while at the same time John Flood was blown out through the window. He and Jeannie were the only survivors from their family of eight. Joey, aged 37, Jack, James, Sinclair, Michael and David died. The boys ranged in age from three to 15. Fire tenders from the RAF base rushed to the scene along with wartime National Fire Service detachments from Lossiemouth and Elgin and civil defence personnel, but their efforts were in vain. Immediately after the crash, the Women's Voluntary Service went into action, seeing to the homeless and organising food and clothes for the survivors. The Floods were a well-known Lossie family. John, 38, was employed as a carter with Miller Alexander carting contractor in Ogston Place. A few days later came a funeral for all eight civilian victims. The Evening Express reported that practically the entire community turned out for the tragic occasion. 'The funeral took place from the old and now disused Chapel of Ease which serves as a public mortuary and where the bodies had rested. 'Fisherwomen in deep morning, many of them with young children in their arms, along with their menfolk, man of who had come straight from the fishing grounds earlier than usual to attend the funeral were amongst the crowd. 'Many wept openly during the funeral obsequies outside the Chapel where a short but impressive service was conducted by the Rev N M Sammon, of the High Church. 'The three young children were in white coffins. 'Behind them lay banks of wreaths. 'A tragic figure during the service was the bereaved husband John Flood, who in carpet slippers and able to walk with the aid of a walking stick, and his relatives, remained seated during the service, his eleven year old daughter Jeannie who was the only one of the family saved, clasped to his side.' Afterwards RAF personnel bore the coffins to RAF vehicles as the band, with muffled drums played Flowers of the Forest. Behind the cortege to Lossiemouth cemetery came 200 school boys, many friends of the Flood boys. 'Then followed a car with Mr Flood, his young daughter and mother and father. 'Then members of the Town Council and next of kin, detachments from the RAF rescue party, NFS coastguards and postmen with the general public taking up the rear. ' A memorial stone of the site of the tragedy was erected in 1995, with funds from the RAF, local clubs and Grampian Region councillors. At that time, survivor Jeannie then aged 60 and living in Hawick came to Lossie to carry out the unveiling. She said: 'I have never forgotten my mother and brothers. I was only 10 years old but it is still as fresh in my mind as the day it happened.' Her father John, who brought her up after the accident, died in 1965 when he fractured his skull falling down the stairs. To mark the 80th anniversary of the tragedy, Tuesday, May 20 2025, Lossiemouth Men's Shed have organised a wreath-laying ceremony. An RAF Lossiemouth detachment will attend, as will Lossiemouth Men's Shed and the chaplain and pupils from St Gerardine's school. Assembly at Mercator Green, Church Street, Lossiemouth is at 9.30am, with two minutes silence at 9.52am, followed by the wreath laying and dispersal at 10am. If you enjoyed this story, you may also like: Was your Aberdeen street hit by tragedy in WW2? Our map shows addresses of more than 1,000 victims
