In the East Conference room of the United States Supreme Court, Justice Thurgood Marshall responded to reporters' questions and comments about his retirement from the Court. With good humor, Justice Marshall responded to reporters' questions with sharp and short retorts, and would not comment on decisions made by the Court. He said he was retiring due to his declining health and that race should not be a factor in the selection of his successor. He discredited reports that he was leaving in frustration and anger over the conservative leanings of the current Supreme Court.
The retirement of Justice Marshall would become effective when the Senate confirms a successor.