A liberal on a conservative Court, the justice uses seniority to play key behind-the-scenes role.
If there is one word that best sums up Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens's approach to constitutional law, it is patience.
And this year more than any other Justice Stevens has demonstrated that patience has its rewards.
A longtime judicial maverick known for his liberal outlook and a fondness for silk bow ties, Justice Stevens has quietly emerged as a behind-the-scenes force on a largely conservative high court.
He has done it in part by taking a long view of his role at the court, sticking to his convictions, and waiting - often for decades - until a majority of the court recognizes what he sees as the wisdom of his position.
Details here from Warren Richey of The Christian Science Monitor.