Justice Kagan Pays Tribute to Predecessor Justice John Paul Stevens

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan pays tribute to the late Justice John Paul Stevens, who died July 16 at the age of 99. Speaking by his casket in the Great Hall of the Supreme Court, Justice Kagan talks about succeeding him on the Court in 2010 and the connection she felt with him. She says Justice Stevens was a "hero" and a man who valued his independence, as well as the collegiality of the Court. "He was a brilliant man with extraordinary gifts and talents, which he combined with deep devotion to the rule of law and a deep commitment to equal justice," Justice Kagan says. close