US Supreme Court Justice to retire

The oldest member of the US Supreme Court, Justice John Paul Stevens, has announced his retirement.



Justice Stevens leads the court\'s liberal bloc.



His replacement will be nominated by President Barack Obama.



The judge, who turns 90 in 11 days says he will step down when the court finishes its work for the summer, in late June or early July.



Analysts say Justice Stevens\'s departure will not change the court\'s conservative-liberal split because President Obama is certain to name a liberal-leaning replacement.



It will be the second time in his presidency that Mr Obama makes such a nomination.



Last year, he named Sonia Sotomayor to replace retiring Justice David Souter.