Justice John Paul Stevens to Retire at End of Term

The Blog of the Legal times reported earlier today that Justice Stevens sent a letter to President Obama announcing his intention to retire at the close of the current term.  The letter was short and sweet, as seems to be the custom judging by Justices Souter’s and O’Connor’s retirement letters.  (Here, by the way, is NPR’s take on the potential nominees for the open seat.)

The PSLawNet Blog wonders when justices may begin using more modern communication channels to make such announcements.  It would have been funny if the perpetually bow-tied and amiable Justice Stevens issued a resignation tweet rather than the old snail-mail letter.  “Will b retired by smmr…..so kewl!!!!!!….party in ft lauderdale 24-7-365!!!!!!! :)”