Presidential law professor Joseph Thai spoke to The Oklahoma Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society on Friday about the legacy of Justice John Paul Stevens.

Thai, a former clerk for Stevens, spoke nostalgically on his life and legacy on the Supreme Court. Stevens is scheduled to retire June 28.

Stevens, a Republican confirmed into the Court in 1975, has spent more than 35 years as a Supreme Court Justice.

“People thought he would be too old and not have any longevity in the court,” Thai said, commenting on Steven’s old age when he was confirmed into the Court at age 55. Today he is the oldest member of the Court.

“He could probably get confirmed in today, but it would be more difficult and it would not be unanimous,” Thai said, noting that seven of the justices on the court since Stevens’ confirmation have been appointed under republican presidents.

Thai spoke on Stevens’ significance on the Court, mentioning how Steven’s input on the 1984 case of Sony Corp. of America vs. Universal Studios Inc. has made an impact on society.

The hourlong discussion concluded with a discussion about Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan. Kagan was nominated by President Barack Obama in May to fulfill Stevens’ position on the Court when he retires next week.

Confirmation hearings for Kagan’s nomination begin Monday.