Justice John Paul Stevens said he will retire this year or next year, giving President Barack Obama another chance to shape the U.S. Supreme Court.

Stevens, who turns 90 this month, is the oldest member of the court. He typically sides with the liberal-leaning justices in most cases.

On Indian law, Stevens recently dissented in Carcieri v. Salazar. He said the majority was wrong to limit the land-into-trust process to tribes that were "under federal jurisdiction" in 1934.

But in other recent cases, Stevens came down against tribal interests. He agreed with the majority in US v. Navajo Nation and said the federal government did not owe the Navajo Nation a trust responsibility for a botched lease.

Get the Story:
At 89, Stevens Contemplates Law, and How to Leave It (The New York Times 4/4)
After years as justice, John Paul Stevens wants what's 'best for the court' (The Washington Post 4/4)

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